The   Old   Records 
of  the 


Town   of  Fitchburgh 
1764-1789 


Fitchburg 

Historical  Society 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


/^o^dyn 


THE  OLD  RECORDS 


TOWN  OF  FITCHBURGH 


MASSACHUSETTS 


1764-1789 


A    COMPLETE    TRANSCRIPT    OF    THE    TOWN    MEETINGS    AND   SELECT- 
MEN'S   RECORDS   CONTAINED    IN    THE    FIRST   THREE    HUNDRED 
AND    TWENTY-FOUR    PAGES    OF    THE    FIRST    VOLUME    OF 
THE   OLD    RECORDS   OF   THE   TOWN,    BEING 

VOLUME  ONE 

OF    THE    PRINTED    RECORDS    OF    THE    TOWN- 


COMPILED    IJY 

Waltkr   a.   Davis.   City   Clkrk 


F  I  T  C  H  B  U  K  G 

PUBLISHKI)     HY     AITHOKITY    OF     TIIK    CITY    COUNCIL 
1898 


SENTINEL     PRINTING     COMPANY 
FITCHBURG 


F7^ 
F5FS 


CITY  OK   FITCHBURG,   MASS. 

It 

Ix  City  Counxil,  Feb.  16,  1897. 

The  joint  standing  committee  on  finance,  to  which 
was  referred  the  recommendation  in  the  Ma^'or's  inaugu- 
ral relating  to  copying  the  old  town  records,  recommend 
the  adoption  of  the  following  order: 

Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  eight  hundred  dollars 
($800)  be,  and  the  same  is,  hereby  appropriated  for  the 
purpose  of  copying  and  printing  the  original  town  records 
from  1764;   said  sum  to  be  charged  to  incidental  account. 

Henry   F.  Rockwell, 
E.  F.  Beldixg, 
A.  A.  Traln, 
J.  E.  Dempsey, 


Committee 

on 

Finance. 


In  Board  of  Aldermen,  Feb.  16,  1897. 

Report  read,  accepted,  and  order  adopted.     Sent  down 

for  concurrence. 

Walter  A.  Davis,  Clerk. 

In  Common  Council,  Feb.  16,  1897. 

Read,  accepted,  and  order  adopted.     In  concurrence. 

Fred  A.  Tolman,  Clerk. 

Mayor's  Office,  Fitchburg,  Mass.,  Feb.  17,  1897. 

Approved. 

Henry  F.  Rockwell,  Mayor. 

A  true  copv.     Attest: 

Walter  A.  Davis,  Citv  Clerk. 


592588 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  importance  of  having  the  early  records  of  Fitch- 
burg  printed  was  discussed  at  a  meeting  of  the  Fitchburg 
Historical  Society  as  earl^'  as  November,  1892;  and  it 
was  urged  that  the  society  should  use  its  influence  toward 
the  accomplishment  of  that  object.  No  action,  however, 
was  taken  at  that  time,  but  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
society  in  January,  1895,  the  subject  was  again  consid- 
ered, and  a  committee  was  chosen  to  petition  the  City 
Council  in  regard  to  the  matter. 

A  petition  was  presented  and  referred  to  the  Commit- 
tee on  Education,  by  whom  a  hearing  was  granted,  at 
which  members  of  the  society-  were  present  who  urged 
the  necessit}'  of  immediate  action  for  the  better  preserva- 
tion of  the  records  not  onh'  of  Fitchburg,  but  of  such 
records  of  Lunenburg  and  its  early  proprietors,  prior  to 
the  incorporation  of  Fitchburg,  as  might  be  obtainable. 

The  report  of  the  committee  was  favorable,  and  in 
accordance  with  their  recommendation  an  order  was 
passed  by  the  Cit}'  Council  providing  for  the  printing  of 
the  records  as  petitioned  for,  and  an  appropriation  was 
made  for  carrying  on  the  work.  During  the  year  1896 
ths  first  volume  was  issued,  comprising  the  "  Farh'  Rec- 
ords of  the  Town  of  Lunenburg,  including  that  part 
which  is  now  Fitchburg,  1719-1764,"  and  in  the  follow- 
ing year  a  similar  volume  appeared,  containing  the  "  Pro- 
prietors' Records  of  the  Town  of  Lunenburg,  1729-1833." 

The  present  volume,  containing  the  "Old  Records  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg,  1764-1789,"  the  first  (piarter 
century  of  its  existence  as  a  town,  is  presented  by  the 
Fitchburg  Historical  Society  as  a  fit  companion  for  the 
two  before  mentioned.  The  work  has  been  under  the 
supervision    of    City    Clerk    Walter    A.    Davis,   who,   with 


(!  I  iilrodiictioti. 

c'oiniH'lciit  assistants,  has  spared  no  pains  to  have  it 
iMilhriillv  and  atrnratcly  done. 

The  society  is  loitiinate  in  being  able  to  present  as 
ilhistrations  to  this  vohimc  the  portraits  of  Capt.  Thomas 
Cowdiii  and  Capt.  Joseph  Im)x,  two  of  the  early  town 
clerks,  l)()th  noted  characters  in  the  early  history  of  the 
town,  and  of  Mrs.  Hannah  Cowdin,  wife  of  Thomas 
Cowdin.  well  known  in  her  day  as  the  accomplished  land- 
lady of  the  Cowdin  tavern.  Neither  of  these  have  ever 
before  been  ])resented  to  the  public. 

I'^or  the  use  of  the  Cowdin  portraits  the  society  is 
iiidebied  to  the  courtesy  of  Miss  Ethel  M.  Eager  of  Bel- 
mont, and  tor  that  of  Capt.  Joseph  Fox  to  the  daughters 
of  the  late  Abel  Fox  Adams  of  this  city,  who  own  the 
originals.  J.  F".  D.  G. 


COMMONWEALTH   OF   MASSACHUSETTS. 


Worcester  ss. 


FiTCHBURG,  August  31,  1898. 


I,  Walter  A.  Davis,  City  Clerk  of  the  City  of  Fitch- 
burg,  hereby  certify  that  the  following,  beginning  with 
page  5,  and  ending  with  page  324,  is  a  true  and  correct 
copy  of  so  much  of  the  Old  Records  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  as  are  contained  in  Volume  1,  from  F'ebruary 
3,  1764,  to  March  2,  1789,  except  that  the  title,  paging, 
explanatory  marks  and  notes  have  been  added  in  the 
present  volume. 


a£Z^ 


Citv  Clerk. 


Subscribed  and  sworn  to  before  me. 

[Seal.]  Harrison  Bailey,  Notary  Public. 


THE  OLD  RECORDS 

OF    THK 

TOWN  OF  FITCHBURGH. 


[5]     Anno  Regiii  Regis  Georgii  Tertie  Quarto 
An    act    for    Setting  off  the    Tnhabitance    as    alio    the 
Eltates  of  the  Weftcrly   part  of  Lunenburg   Into  a   Seper- 

ate  Town  1)\'  the  Name  of  fitchburgh 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Governar  Councill  &  houfe  of 
Keprefentatives  that  the  Inhabitants  with  their  Lands  on 
the  Westerly  part  of  Lunenburg  beginning  at  Such  a 
place  on  Leominfter  Line  as  that  a  Straight  Line  there- 
from ma}^  Run  between  the  Lands  of  Mefs'^  Paul  Weth- 
erby  and  Jonathan  Wood  to  a  Stake  &  Stone  a  Small 
Diftance  to  the  Weftward  of  Alary  Holts  house  then 
Turning  and  Runing  North  10  Degres  &  a  half  East  to 
the  Southeast  Corner  of  Ephraim  Whitneys  Land  then  to 
Kee]i  the  Eafterly  Line  of  Said  WhitncA's  Land  to  the 
Northeast  Corner  thereof  c^  and  from  that  Corner  to 
Run  Northwardly-  on  the  I-^astwardly  Line  of  John  Whites 
Land  to  the  Northeast wardU'  corner  thereof  and  from 
that  Corner  to  Run  North  four  Degres  T^ast  to  Townfantl 
Line  then  Running  West  thirty  one  Deg''  &  an  half  North 
on  Townlhand  Line  to  Dorchester  Cannada  Line  Then 
Turning  foutii  Nine  Deg''  Welt  Ivight  miles  and  an  Hun- 
dred and  fourty  Rods  on  Dorchester  Cannada  Line  to 
Westminfter  Line  then  Turning  East  Ii)leven  Deg''  thirty 
minutes  South  three  miles  and  thirty  one  Rod  to  a  licip 
of  Stones  in  Leminfter  Line  then  Turning  .-ind  Runing  to 
the  Roimds  lirlt  mentned  be  and  hcrby  is  fet  olV  and 
Ivreeted    Into    a    Seperate    Town    by    the    name  of   Fitch- 


2  I'lir   (Vd  Rrcon/s  of  the 

IiimkIi  'Hid  that  Uk-  Said  Town  be  Inveftcd  with  all  the 
I'owcTs  I'rivilc;,a's  and  Initnnnities  that  other  Towns  in 
this  rroviiice  (h»  or  may  by  Law  enjoy  that  of  fending  a 
Re|)iefenlative  to  the  (ieneral  afeml)ly  only  Ivxepted  and 
that  the  Inhabitants  of  Said  Town  fhall  have  full  power 
and  Kij^dil  from  'lime  to  Time  to  Joyn  with  the  Said 
Town  of  Lnnenltnr;;  in  the  Choife  of  a  Keprefentative  or 
Keprefenlatives  and  be  Subject  to  pay  their  proportion- 
able pait  ot  the  Charj^es  who  may  be  Chofen  Hither  in 
the  Town  of  Lunenburgh  or  Town  of  fitehburgh  In 
whieh  Choise  they  fhall  ImiJoy  all  the  Priviledges  whieh 
l)v  I-aw  they  would  [(>J  have  been  Intitled  to  if  this  act 
had  noi  bin  made  and  the  Select  men  of  the  Town  of 
Lunenburg  fhall  Ifsue  their  Warrant  to  one  or  more  of 
the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  fitehburgh  Requireng  them 
to  Xotihe  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitehburgh  of 
the  Time  and  place  of  their  meting  for  Such  Coife    .     .     . 

Provided  Neverthelefs  and  be  it  further  Enacted  that 
the  laid  Town  of  fitehburgh  fhall  pa^'  their  proportion  of 
all  Town  County  and  province  Taxes  already  fet  on  or 
(iranted  to  be  Raised  by  laid  Town  of  Lunenburg  as  if 
this    act    had    not   been   made 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  that  Edward  Hartwell  Elq'" 
be  and  herby  is  Impowerd  to  Ifsue  his  Warrant  Directed 
to  Soni  principal  Inhabitant  in  Said  Town  of  fitehburgh 
Keciuiring  him  to  Xotihe  and  warn  the  Inhabitants  of 
Said  Town  Qualified  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town  aflfaiers 
to  meet  at  Such  Time  and  place  as  Shall  be  thei'ein  Set 
forth  to  Chufe  all  Such  officers  as  Shall  be  Necefsary  to 
manage  the  affairs  of  Said  Town 

february  2''  1764-  this  bill  haveing  been  Read  three 
fevral  Times  in  the  House  of  Reprefentatives  Pafsed  to  be 
Ivnacted 

Timothy   Ruggles  Speaker 

fehuery  .'V  1 7()4-  this  Bill  haveing  been  Read  three 
levcral  Times  in  Couneill  pafs^^  to  be  Enacted 

A   Oliver   Secry 

february  :V'  1 KU  by  the  Governor  I  Confent  to  En- 
acting this   Bill Fra   Barnard 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  3 

A  True  Copy   Exa''  pr  Jn"  Cotton 

D   Sccr_\- 

A  True  Cop\'     .     .     H])hraini  Whitney   Town    Clerk 

Worcefter  Is  To  ni'  Amos  Kiniall  of  the  Town  oi 
fitchburtjh   in   the   County  of  Worceftr  Gentleman   Greting 

Whereas  I  am  ordered  l)y  the  Grate  and  General 
Court  to  Ifsue  [7]  my  Warrant  Directed  to  Some  princi- 
pal Inhabitant  of  Said  Town  Requireing  him  to  Warn 
the  Inhabitants  of  Said  Town  Qualified  to  Vote  in  Town 
affaiers  to  afsemble  at  fome  fuitable  place  in  laid  Town 
to  Choofe  all  Xecefsary  officers  to  manag  the  affaiers  of 
faid  Town 

(feal)  These  are  therefore  In  his  Majestes  name  to 
Require  30U  the  Said  Amos  Kimball  forthwith  to  Notifie 
and  warn  the  Inhabatants  of  Said  Town  Qualified  by 
Law  to  Vote  in  Town  aftaiers  to  afsemble  at  Capt  Sam- 
uel Hunts  new  Dwelling  house  in  Said  Town  one  monday 
the  fifth  Day  of  march  at  Ten  of  the  Clock  in  the  fore- 
noon then  &  their  being  Duely  afseml^led  to  act  on  the 
Sevral  articls  hereafter  mentioned  that  is     .     .     . 

firft  to  Chufe  a  moderator  for  the  ("ioverment  of  faid 
meting 

2'>'  to  Chufe  a  Clark  to  Knter  and  Record  all  Votes 
&  orders. 

3'y  to  Chufe  Select  men  and  all  other  town  officers 
for  the  year  Infuing  as  the  Law  Directs 

4'^'  to  agree  and  Vote  what  Day  in  the  month  of 
march  the  anual  Town  meting  Ihall    be  for  the  futter     .     . 

5'>'  to  agree  and  X'ote  how  and  in  what  niaucr  the 
Town  metings  fhall  be  warned  for  the  future 

here  of  fail  not  and  make  Due  Return 

Given  under  my  hand  and  Scale  at  Lunenburg  this  fif- 
teenth Day  of  febucry  in  the  forth  year  of  his  majcfts 
Reign  Anno  que  Domini   1  7('>-l-. 

lulward   IlarLwcll  juftis  of  pcfe 

Worcefter  fs.     fitchburgh  march  the   1    1  7(>  t     .... 
In  obediancc  to  the  Within  prccc])t   I   have  Notified  the 
Inhabitants   Within   mentoned    to   afeml)lc  <\:  meet  at  time 


/■//<■  {>!({  Kiiords  of  the 


i\:    place    Within    nicnlioiKd    for   the   purpofcs    within   men- 
tioned according  to  tlie  Tenor  of  the  within  Inftrement 

])r  Amos  Kimball 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  other 
itdiahitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Qualified  l)y  Law 
to  \'ole  in  TowJi  |S|  atTairs  on  monday  the  fifth  Day  of 
niaivli  A  I»  17<".f  at  the  House  of  Ca])*^  Sumuel  Hunts  in 
Said  litehhurgh 

The  Town  being  afsembled  ....  Voted  &  Chofe 
111'   .\iiios   Kiml)all  moderator  ik. 

2'>     Chofe  Ii;phraiiii  Whitney  Town  Clark     .... 
a'>     Chofe    Mefs"^     .     .     .     .      (  Amos   Kimball 

David  Goodridge 
Samuel  Hunt 
Ephraim  Whitney 
Ruben  Gibfon 
Select  men  for  fitchbrg 
4-'>'     Cholc  ill'    liphraim  Kimball  Town  Treafurcr     .     . 
r)'>     Chofe  Mefs'^  John  White  &  Thos  Dutton  Wardens 

()'>     Cliole  m'  John  White  Conftable 

7'>  Chofe  Mefs'^^     .     .          John  fitch 

Ebenezer  Bridge 
Phinehas  Steward 
Kindal  Boutall 
Tho«  Dutton 

Survayors  of  high  ways 
S'.v    Chofe  Mcfs'^  James  Pool  &  JoVeph  Spafford  Tyth- 
ing  man 

U'>  Chole  Mefs'^  Soloman  Steward  &  Ifaac  Gibfon 
fence  veivers 

lo'.v  Chofe  m'  Soloman  Steward  Serveyor  of  Shingles 
vV  Clabords 

11">  Chofe  m'  Jonathan  Wood  a  Culler  of  hoops  & 
ftaves 

12'>-  Chofe  m-^  Phinehas  Steward  &  T\\o^  Gary  Hogg- 
reaves 

13'>     Chofe  Mefs'^  Will'"  Chadwick  &  Silos  Snow  Deer 

Keavs 

14-'>     Chofe  m'  Will'"  Steward  Sealer  of  Leather 

iri'>     Chofe  niefs'-^  Ezra  Whitney  &  Hezekiah  Hodgkins 

ticrwards 


Toivji  of  FitcJiburgh.  5 

16'>'    Chofe  m''  David  Goodridge  a  Seveiar  of"  Wheat 
17'>'     Voted  the  annual  metting  be  for  the  future  on  the 

firft  mondy  of  march 

18'>'    Voted    that   the  Conftable  or   Conftabls   for  laid 

Town  for  the  future  Warn  all  Town  meetings 

Amos  Kimball  moderator 

[9]  Fitchburgh  march  the  f)  17()4-  The  Several  jjerfons 
afore  mentioned  who  ware  chofen  b\'  the  Town  oi  fitch- 
burgh to  the  Several  offices  aforP'  appeared  and  took  the 
oaths  by  Law  Requird  to  Enable  them  to  Execute  the 
Several  bufinefses  of  their  Refpeetivc  offices  after  having  first 
Taken  the  oath  Kefpecting  the  Keceiveing  «\:  pafsing  the  l)ills 
of  Credit  of  the  Neighbouring  Goverments  .  .  Sworn  be- 
for  us     ...     . 

Amos  Kimball 

David  Goodridge 

Epr'"  W^hitney 

Ruben  Gibfon 


Select  men 
of  the  Town 

of  fitchburgh 


Worcefter  fs  To  m''  John  White  Conftable  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburgh  in  the  County  of  worcefter  Greeting    .    . 

(feal)  These  are  In  his  majefts  name  to  Recpiire  you 
the  faid  John  White  forthwith  to  Notific  and  warn  the 
Inhabitants  of  faid  Town  (Jualified  by  Law  to  Vote  in 
Town  affairs  to  afsemble  <!<:  meet  at  Ca])^  Samuel  Himts 
new  Dwelling  house  in  faid  Town  on  mondy  the  26  day 
of  march  Inftant  at  twelve  of  the  Clock  at  noon  then 
and  theire  being  Duly  met  and  formed  to  act  on  the 
folowing  articles  hereafter  mentioned  that  is  firft  to  Chufe 
a  moderator  for  the  Goverment  of  faid  meeting     .     .     . 

2'^'  to  fee  what  method  the  Town  will  Come  into  lor 
the  mending  of  high  ways  for  the  year  Ivnfuing  and  to 
Raife  money  for  the  fame  if  they  think  proi)ci- 

3'-^'  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  mcafure  to  find  the  Centre 
of  faid  Town  and  to  Chufe  a  Commite  for  the  fame  and 
to  Give  them  Such  Instructons  as  they  fhall  thiidv  ])roper. 

4'>  to  hear  the  accotnits  of  the  Connnittcc  that  has 
been  Implo^vd  for  for  Gitting  the  Town  of  IMtchburgh  vS: 
for  having  the  fame  Incori)oratcd  and  to  sec  if  the  Town 
will    \'ote   money    lor   paying    the   fame 


Q  I' III-   (^/i/  Kccords    of  ///(' 

r>'*  to  Vote  any  funi  or  funis  of  monc}'  for  Defraing 
of  Ncrilaiv  Charges  in  laid  Town  as  they  lliall  think 
proper     .... 

C'v     to   See   if   the    Hoggs   Shall    Run  at    Large   for  the 

prefent  year 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Due  Return  of  this  warant 
to  one  of  us  at  or  hefor  the  Day  of  faid  meting  Given 
nndcr  our  hands  &  leal  at  fitchburgh  this  Twelfth  Day  of 
inruvh  in  fourth  year  of  his  majefts  Reign  A  D  1764 

Samuel  Hunt 

David  Goodridge       Select  men 

Ii)phraim  White     (  of  fitchburgh 

Ruben  Gibfon 

|1()J     Woreeftr    Is     fitchburgh  March  the  24  1764 

In  obediance  to  the  Within  W^ritten   Inftrument  I  have 

Warnd  the  Inhabitants  Within  mentioned  to  afsemble  and 

meet  at  Time  cS:  place   Within   mentioned   for   the  purpofes 

within   mentioned    according  to   the   Tenor   of   the   Within 

Inftrement 

pr  John  White  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Duly  Qualified  by  Law 
to  Vote  in  Town  meetings  at  the  new  Dwelling  houfe  of 
Cap^  Samuel  Hunts  in  f*'  fitchburgh  on  monday  the  26 
Da}'  of  march  1764  The  Town  being  met  Voted  and 
Chofe  m*"  David  Goodridge  moderator 

2'>'  Voted  to  Raife  fort}-  pounds  b\'  a  Rate  on  the  In- 
habitants &c  to  mend  High  waj's  and  that  Each  of  the 
Inhabitants  who  work  at  the  ways  be  allowed  four  pence 
\)v  Hour  and  one  Shiling  &  four  pence  pr  Day  be  allow^ed 
for  a  3'oak  oxen  for  a  Cart  &  plough  8  pence  per  Day 
Each 

3'>  Voted  that  Kendall  Boutall  Ruben  Gibfon  &  Jona- 
than Wood  be  a  Committee  to  provide  a  Surveyor  and 
with  his  afsiftance  find  the  Center  of  the  Town    .... 

4'>'  Amos  Kimball  Layed  his  acounts  for  Servife  Done 
the  Town  iti  procureing  the  Enorporation  of  the  Towai 
c\:  fome  other  articles  and  Voted  by  the  Town  to  pay  him 
thirteen  pounds  &  nine  pence  in  Difcharge  of  his  acount 


Tozvn  of  Fitc/ibjir(^/i.  7 

4'>'  Capt  Samuel  Hunt  Laid  his  acount  befor  the 
Town  &  Voted  by  them  to  pay  him  Eight  ShiHu^js  & 
Eight  pence  in  Difcharge  of  the  Same 

5'-^'  \'oted  to  pay  m""  John  fitch  one  pound  two  Ihil- 
ings  &  five  pence  to  Difcharge  his  acount     .     . 

G'>'  Voted  to  pay  Ephriam  Whitney  one  ])()und  one 
fhiHng  &  four  pence  in  Difcharge  of  his  acount 

7'-^  Voted  to  pa\'  m'  Jonathan  Wood  fifteen  fhilings 
in  Difcharge  of  his  acount 

8'-^  Voted  that  the  Inhabitants  l)e  Taxd  for  the  fame 
fums  Which  fhall  be  Collected  acording  to  Law 

9'>'  Voted  that  Eight  pounds  be  Raifed  l)y  Tax  on  the 
Inhabitants  to  Defray  Contingent  Charges  that  ma}-   arife 

10'>'     Voted    that   the    Hoggs   may    Run    at    Large   the 

prefent  vear 

pr  David  Goodridge  moderater. 

[11]     Worceftr  fs    fitchburg  Septr  the  12  1  KU 

In    obiancc   to   the   Within    Written    Inftrement    I    have 

Warned   the   Inhabitants   Within   mentined  to  afemble  and 

meet  at   Time  &  place   within   mentioned  for  the  ])urpofes 

within    mentionetl    according   to   the   Tenor   of   the   Within 

inftrument  ^    ,       ,,.,  .       ^,      ,-     i  i 

\V  John  W  liile  Conltable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  fitch1)urgh  Dueh'  Qualified  by  Law 
to  Vote  in  Town  meetings  at  the  new  Dwelling  House  ol 
Cap*^  Tho"*  Cowdins  In  f  fitchburgh  on  Wenfday  the 
twelf  Day  of  Sepembr  17()4-  The  Town  being  meet  X'oted 
&  Chofe  Amos  Kimball  moderator     .... 

2'>'  X'oted  that  there  be  two  Scools  in  f  Town  \: 
that  m'  John  fitch  &  Kindal  Boutwell  <S:  their  neigii- 
borurs  fhall  have  the  benifitt  of  their  fcoole  money  in 
order  to  ])r()vide  fcooling  amonge  them  ielves 

8'>'  \'oted  tliat  Eight  pounds  be  Railed  in  order  to 
provide  a  fcoole  mafter  in  f  Town 

4'>-  X'oted  Amos  Kinil)all  Ivphr"'  Whitney  .V  Thos 
Dutton  l)c  a  Scoole  Comitc 

5'>'  Voted  that  Amol'  Kiml)all  Ivjihr'"  Kimball  .V  Tho"^ 
Dutton  be  a  eoniinite  to  provide  n  I'.ueering  yard  in  f'' 
Town     .     . 


8  I'll)-   Ohl  Kirords  of  the 

*<')'»  tluit  two  iiiicls  on  the  Wdtcrdly  Line  begining  at 
ilu'  northwc-rtcrdly  Conit-r  .'iiid  Half  a  mile  on  the  East- 
i-rdlv  l.iiir  Hrgiiiing  at  the  north  liaftcrly  Corner  on 
Townland  Line  there  Runing  a  Straite  Line  from  Corner 
to  Corner  he  Sott  off  to  mr  John  fitch  &  others  in  order 
for  them  to  Joyn  a  i)art  of  Townfhand  &  a  part  of  Dor- 
ehefter  Canady  in  order  to  make  a  Town  or  parifh 
among  them  felvs  and  that  the  f''  John  fitch  &  others 
he  freed  from  jjaying  aney  thing  to  the  Settelment  of  a 
minifter  or  for  Hulding  a  meeting  Houfe  in  f'^'  Town  of 
litehburgh 

7'>  m''  Kuben  (lil)fon  Laid  his  acount  before  the 
Town  and  Voted  by  them  to  pa}'  him  fix  fhilings     .     .     . 

S'>  m'  Ifaae  (iibfon  Laid  his  a  Count  befor  the  Town 
tS:  Voted  by  them  to  jjay  him  fix  fhilings 

9'>'  Voted  that  ilx  pounds  be  Raifed  by  a  tax  on  the 
Inhabitents  to  Defray  Contingent  Charges  that  may  a 
Rife  in  f''  Town 

at  a  Leagual  meting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Duely  Oualafied  by 
Law  to  \'ote  [Ti]  in  Town  Meetings  at  the  Houfe  Cap* 
Tho^  Cowdins  in  P'  fitchburgh  on  monday  the  twenty  fec- 
ond  Day  of  octobr  1764- 

firft  Voted  &  Chofe  Ifaae  Gibfon  moderator     .... 

2'>  Voted  to  Joyn  Groton  &  others  in  potifoning  the 
Grat  ^:  General  Coart  for  a  new  Count\- 

3'>  \dted  and  Chofe  David  Goodridge  Amos  Kimball 
cS:  Tho**  Cowdin  a  Comittee  to  Confer  with  the  Commit- 
tee of  Lunenburg  Chofen  by  P'  Lunenburg  to  manige  the 
afair  of  f''  County     .... 

4-'>  Voted  that  the  forth  artical  in  f^  meting  fhould 
be  jiaft  over 

(feal)  Worceftr  fs  to  nV  John  White  Conftable  of 
the  Town  of  fitchburgh  in  the  County  of  Worceftr  Greet- 
ing      

Thefe  are  therefore  in  his  majeftis  name  to  Requier  you 


*.\slil)y.     [.\iiii<nrUi«)ii  (Ml  till-  iiKirj^in.— W.   \.  I).] 


Tinvn  of  Fitchbiirgh.  9 

the  P'  John  White  forthwith  to  notify  and  warn  the  free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  f  Town  Ouallifyd  by  Law 
to  Vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afemble  &  meet  at  Cap*^ 
Tho''  Cowdins  Houfe  Inholder  in  f  fitchburgh  on  monday 
the  twenty  fixth  Da^^  of  Novembr  Infcnt  tlien  &  there 
being  Duely  meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  articals 
here  after  mentioned  that  is  firft  to  Choufe  a  moderator 
for  the  Goverment  of  f  meeting 

2'-^'  to  See  if  it  be  the  minds  of  the  Town  to  have 
preaching  the  Winter  Infuing  &  to  Vote  aney  thing  Refer- 
ing  there  to  as  they  Shall  think  proper     .... 

3'-^'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  make  Choice  of  fum  Con- 
veniant  place  for  Seetting  a  meeting  house  &  Vote  aney 
thing  Refering  there  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

4'>'  to  See  if  it  be  the  minds  of  the  Town  to  be  pre- 
paring of  Stuf  for  the  Buielding  of  a  meeting  house  &  to 
fee  What  raethoad  they  will  Come  Into  for  having  the 
fame  provided 

5'>'  to  know  the  minds  of  the  Town  of  what  Demen- 
fon  they  would  have  the  meting  houfe 

6'>'  to  Sec  if  the  Town  will  Choufe  a  Committee  to 
Carrey  on  the  Bifnefs  of  Buckling  a  meeting  in  f  Town 
&  to  Give  [I'i]  fuch  Inftructons  as  they  fhall  think 
proper     .... 

7'-^'  to  fee  if  the  Town  Will  Rais  anc}'  Sume  or  Sumes 
of  money  for  Budding  a  meeting  house  in  f  Town     .     .     . 

Here  of  fail  not  &  make  Due  Return  of  this  Warrant 
to  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  of  f  meeting    .     .     . 

Given  under  our  hands  &  feal  at  fitchburgh  this  twelfth 
Day  f)l'  X()vcnil)r  and  in  the  tburth  year  of  his  .Majefts 
Reign  A  I)  17(;4- 

Worcefter  fs  fitchburgh  November  the  26  17G4 
In  obediance  to  the  Within  Written  Warrent  I  have  noti- 
fyed  &  Warned  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitents  to 
appear  at  time  &  place  within  mentioned  to  act  on  the 
articels  within  mentioned  acording  to  the  tennor  of  the 
Within    Inftrument 

I"    jolin    While   Conltahk- 


Ill  The   Old  R,rny,ls  of  the 

at  n  Lca^^'ll  nicctin;,'  of  the  Irec  holders  &  other  In- 
hal)iti-iits  of  the  Town  of  fitehbur^di  Ouallified  by  Law  to 
vote  in  lOwii  meetings  at  the  Houfe  of  Cap^  Tho**  Cow- 
diiis  in  lloldei"  in  T'  Town  on  niondy  tlie  20  Day  of 
N'ovenil)!'   1  7()  I 

iMrftlv  N'oted  iS:  Chofe  David  Goodridge  moderator    .     . 

L"^  X'oted  that  they  will  have  fix  Sabath  Days  prcch- 
ing  the  Winter  Infuing 

;?■>  \'oted  that  Ii])h"'  Whitney  David  Goodridge  & 
Ivph'"  Kimball  be  the  Cc^mmittee  to  provide  preehing  for 
the  prefent 

4'>'  Voted  that  m'  Tetter  Whitney  &  m'  Rnfell  be  the 
Gcnttlemen  the  Committee  apply  them  felvs  to  firft  for 
I)reaehing  in  P'  Town 

")•>•    Voted   that  the  meeting  be  adjoyrnd   foi   one  ouer 

()">  Voted  that  the  place  for  Seting  a  meeting  Houfe 
be  in  a  field  Called  Cap'  Tho**  Cowdins  Whet  yard  nigh 
Deeon  Amos  Kimballs  mills  in  the  moft  Convenint  plaee 
therein 

?•>  Voted  that  they  will  be  provideing  Stuff  for  the 
Building  of  a  meeting  Houfe  in  faid  Town 

.S'>'  Voted  that  the  Town  have  the  Benifit  of  providing 
of  all  Nefesarys  as  to  Timbers  &e  for  the  Building  of  a 
meetin  house  in  f''  Town  in  Such  maner  as  the  Commite 
Shall  think  proper 

[14]  9'>'  Voted  that  it  be  Left  to  the  Committe  to 
Say  What  the  hight  of  the  meetting  Houfe  fhall  be    .     .     . 

10'>  Voted  that  David  Goodridge  Eph'"  Whitney  & 
Tho**  Cowdin  be  a  Committee  to  manage  &  take  the  care 
of  Bulding  the  meeting  houfe  in  f'^'  Town 

\Vy  Voted  &  Chofe  Eph'"  Whitney  Amos  Kimball  & 
Eph'"  Kimball  a  Committee  to  agree  with  Cap*  Tho''  Cow- 
din  for  a  Conveniant  plafe  for  to  feet  a  meeting  Houfe  in 
f  Town  Even  the  Land  a  bove  Voted  &  made  Choice  of 
iS:  to  take  Secuerity  of  the  Land  in  Behalf  of  the  Town  .  . 

12'>"  Voted  that  fifty  pounds  be  Raised  for  the  Buld- 
ing of  a  meeting  houfe  in  P'  Town 

13'>  Voted  to  have  the  preaching  in  Cap*  Tho''  Cow- 
dins  Houfe  in  faid  Town 


Toivu  of  Fitclibiirgh.  11 

Worcefter  fs     fitchburgh  December  the  17  1764- 

To  m''  John  White  Cunftal)le  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burgh in  the  County  of  Worcefter  Greeting     .     .     . 

thefe  are  therfore  in  his  Majeftis  name  to  Keciuire  you 
the  faid  John  White  forthwith  to  Notify  &  Warne  the  free 
Holders  &  other  Inhabitents  in  f  Town  Quallifyed  by 
Law  to  Vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afsemble  &  meet  at 
Cap^  Tho^  Cowdins  houfe  in  f  Town  on  mondy  the  24 
Day  of  Dcembr  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then 
and  their  Being  Duely  met  and  formd  to  act  on  the  folow- 
ing  artels  hereafter  menfioned  that  is  firft  to  Chuefe  a 
moderator  for  the  Goverment  of  P'  meeting    .     .     . 

2'^'  to  See  if  the  Town  Will  Reconfider  anc^'  part  of 
the  former  former  Vote  Relating  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Towns  Being  Implo3'ed  in  (Siting  Timber  for  the  I'ulding 
a  meeting  houfe  in  f^  Town     .... 

v3'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  Will  Lcet  out  the  Hueing  and 
framing  of  the  meeting  Houfe  to  m*"  Timothy  parker  or 
Impowr  the  Committee  So  to  Do  or  vote  aney  thing  Refcr- 
ing  there  to  as  they  fhall  think  ])ropcr 

4'>  to  See  if  the  Town  Will  Give  the  Committee  aney 
further  Inftructions  chofen  by  them  for  the  Carrying  on 
the  afare  of  Bulding  a  meeting  houfe  in  f  Town     .... 

Here  off  faill  not  &  make  Due  Return  of  this  Warrant 
Unto  one  of  us  at  or  Before  the  Day  of  f  meeting  Given 
under  our  hands  at  fitchburgh  Decembr  the  17  A  I)  17()4- 
jHiid  in  llu-  fifth  year  of  his  majefts  Regn 

[15]     Worceftr  fs     fitchburgh  Decembr  the  24  1  7()4 
In  obedianc  to  the   Within   precipt  I  have   Notified    the 
Inhabitents   Within  mentioned  to  appear   at  Time  cS:  place 
W^ithin     mentioned     for    the     purpol'es     Within     menfioned 
acording  to  the  tenor  of  the  Within  Inl'trumant 

J)""   me  John    White   Conftal)Ie 

at  a  Legal  mctiiig  of  the  bee  holders  «S:  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Duely  (Qualified  by  Law 
to  vote  in  Town  aftaers  at  the  houfe  of  Cap^  Tho''  Cow- 
dins  in  1''  fitchburgh  on  nujudy  the  24  Day  of  Decembr  at 


12  Tin-  Olii  Records  of  the 

om-  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noone  the  Town  Hcinp:  meet 
Voted  tS:  Chofe  David  C.oodridp^c  moderator     . 

L"^  Voted  that  the  former  vole  Referin^  to  the  Towns 
Having  the  Henifet  of  the  Gitting  the  Timber  for  the 
Hiieldinj;  a  meetinj^:  Houfe  in  f  Town  in  part  be  Keconfid- 
rrd     .     .     . 

;5'^  \'otcd  that  m""  Timothy  Parker  huew  &  fraime 
the  meeting  Houfe  the  Town  fmding  the  Timber  for  two 
hundred  &  fifty  i)ounds  old  tenor  fifty  pounds  being  paid 
when  the  timber  is  hucd     .... 

1'^  Voted  that  the  Committee  be  Impowerd  to  agree 
witli  m'  Timothy  Parker  to  hue  &  fraime  the  meeting 
houfe  6c  to  have  the  Same  Ready  by  the  17  Day  of 
august  to  Rafe 

")•>  Voted  that  the  Committe  be  Impowerd  to  pro- 
vide all  Xefafaries  for  the  finifhing  the  meeting  Houfe     .     . 

(feal)  Worcefer  fs  To  m''  John  White  Cunftabl  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburgh  in  the  County  of  Worceftr   Greeting 

Thefe  are  thcrfor  in  his  majefts  name  to  Requir  the 
f  John  White  forthwith  to  notify  &  warn  the  free  holders 
i*v:  other  Inhabitents  ciuallif\-d  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the  Houfe  of  Cap*  Tho'^ 
Cowdins  in  f  Town  on  monda\'  the  forth  Da^-  of  march 
next  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  fournoon  then  and  their 
Being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  arti- 
cals  [1(>]  herafter  menfoned  that  is  fi.rft  to  Chufe  a  mod- 
erator for  Goverment  of  [^  meeting     .... 

2'>'  to  Chufe  Select  men  &  all  other  Town  officers  for 
the  year  Infuing  as  the  Law  Directs 

3'>'  to  See  What  method  the  Town  Will  Com  into  for 
mending  the  High  Ways  &  to  Raife  money  for  the  Same 
or  Vote  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as  they  fall  think 
])ro])er 

4-'>'  to  hear  the  Several  aCounts  of  the  Sevares  for 
the  year  paft    .... 

5'>-  to  Except  of  Such  Roads  as  the  Select  men  Shall 
Lay  out  or  Caufe  to  be  Laid  out  by  their  order. 

<V>-  to  See  if  it  be  the  minds  of  the  Town  to  make 
application    to   the   Grate  &  General    Court    for   to   have  a 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  13 

tax  Laid  on  the  Wild  Land  in  !"•'  Town  «Sc  to  Clioule  a 
man  or  men  to  manag  the  Bufines  as  they  fhall  think 
proper 

7'-^'  to  hear  the  a  Counts  ot  thole  men  that  have  Dun 
Servis  for  the  Town  &  to  Rais  money  for  paying  the  same 
if  the}'  Shall  think  ])roper     .... 

8'>'  to  hear  the  Requeft  of  Eph'"  OZorn  &  others 
that  is  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Reconfider  their  Vote  Re- 
fpecting  the  plaeing  of  the  meeting  Houfe  &  \'ottc  to 
l)laee  it  near  the  Center  of  f  Town  the  better  to  acomc- 
datc  Sundry  of  the  Inhabitents  who  Seam  DilTatished 
With  the  place  alredy  appointed  for  Building  f  meeting 
Houfe 

9'>-  to  Sec  if  the  Town  Will  Votte  that  the  Hogs 
Shall  Run  at  Large  the  prefent  year     .... 

Hereof  failc  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrant 
unto  us  at  or  before  the  Day  of  P'  meeting 

Given  under  our  hands  &  seal  at  fitchburgh  this  four- 
teenth Day  of  febuary  6c  in  the  fifth  year  of  his  majeftes 
Reign  A  D  1765 

Amos  Kimball 
David  (lOodridge 
Eph'"  Whitney 
Ruben  Oibfon 


Select 
,  men  for 
fitchburirh 


[17]  Worcefter  Is  fitchburgh  march  the  2  1765 
In  obediance  to  the  within  warren t  I  have  notifyed  & 
warned  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  to  appear  at 
time  &  place  within  menfhoned  to  act  on  the  articals 
within  menfhoned  acording  to  the  Tenor  of  the  Within 
Inftrement 

P''  John  White  Conftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  free  Holders  &  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Ouallificd  by  Law  to  \'ottc  in 
Town  afairs  at  the  Houfe  of  Cap^  Tho''  Cowdins  in  f 
fitch1)urgh  on  mondy  the  forth  Day  of  march  1765  the 
Town  being  meet  Votted  and  Chofc  Caj)^  David  (iood- 
ridge  moderator     .... 

2'>'  Voted  tS:  Chofc  Cap^  David  C.oodridgc  De-'  Amos 
Kimball  6c  Caj)^  Tho"*  Cowdin  Select  men  for  f  Town    .    . 


14  'I'lii-   (^l<l  Rf'-'irds  of  the 

:j'-v  VotU'd  \:  Cliolc  liph"'  Whitney  Town  Clark     .     . 

4.'.v  Vol  led  iK:  Clioic  Ivph'"   Kimball  Town  Treafurer   . 

;-)">•  Votted    X:    Cliolc    i'liindias    Steward    Conftablc   in 

the  Kiiin  ol    janies  Toole 

(Jiv  N'otted  c\:  Cliole  Ilaiah  Witt  &  James  Poole  War- 
dens 

T'.v  Vottcd     &     Chofe    Will'"     Chadweck     &     Solonian 

Steward  Tytliingnien 

8'>'  Vetted  &  Chofe  ThC^  (iary  Silos  Snow  &  Jona- 
than Wood  &  Jefsc  frcneh  &  Samuel  Sanderion  Survars  of 
Hi<;h  Ways 

!)'>     X'otted    cS:   chofe    Kindall    Bouwell   &  Ifaac   Gibson 

Dear  Keafs 

1()'>  Vottcd  c\:  Chofe  El)enezer  Bridge  &  Eph'"  Ozburn 
be  men  to  take  Care  of  the  tier  the  year  Infuing    .     .     . 

ll'>'  Vottcd  &  Chofe  Niclos  Danforth  &  Samuel  Farce 
hogg  Revs 

12'y  Votted  &  Chofe  Phinhas  Steward  Survayer  of 
Shingls  &  &  Clabords 

13'>  Votted  &  Chofe  Jonathan  W^ood  Survayer  of 
hups  &  ftavs 

14'>'    Votted  &  Chofe  Jacob  Steward  Sealer  of  Leather 

15'-^-  Votted  &  Chofe  Jofeph  Spaftord  &  Hezekiah 
Hodgkin  fence  Vewers 

16'>'  Votted  and  Chofe  Tho^  Cowdin  Survayer  of 
Wheet 

17'>  Votted  that  the  High  Ways  be  mended  by  a  tax 
Laid  ujion  the  Inhabitants  in  maner  as  was  the  Laft 
year 

l.S'>'  Votted  that  forty  pounds  be  Raifed  for  mending 
the  high  Wa3S 

11)'>'  Votted  Exept  the  Road  from  Jonathan  Woods 
to  Decon  Amos  Kimballs  mill  -if  the  Land  be  Given  that 
is  begining  at  f''  Woods  and  fo  Runing  on  Common  Land 
to  De-'  [18]  Eph'"  Pearces  Land  &  throw  P'  Pearces 
Land  to  Land  of  m'  Emerfons  &  through  a  Corner  of  {^ 
Emcrfons  Land  to  Land  of  one  m*^  mace  &  through  f^ 
mace  Land  to  Cap*^  Tho''  Cowdins  Land  &  throw  f''  Cow- 
dins  Land  to  0^  mace  Land  a  gain  &  through  P'  Cowdins 
Land  &  on  f  maces   Land  to  Lands  of  Decon   Kimball  & 


Toioii  of  Fitchbnrgh.  15 

{iy  on  P'  Cowdins  ik.  P'  Kimballs  Lands  unto  the  Road 
near  the  Bridge  Called  Kimballs  Bridge  P'  Road  to  be 
two  Rods  wide  Difcribed  by  marks  on  the  north  lide  of  P' 
Road 

Jonathan  Wood   | 
David  Goodridgc!   Commite 
Tho"*  Cowdin         J 
20'y    Votted  that  the   Road  be   Exepted   from  m'   Ifaac 
Gibfon   to   m""   Tho""    Duttons   if   Given   that   is    Begining  at 
the  north  west   Corner  of  Jofeph    Spaffords    Land    6c    Run- 
ning  foutherdh'   on    Common    Land    to   the   fouth    wcfterd 
Corner  of  Will"'  Chadwiek  Land  then    Runing  on  the  Line 
Bet  wen  Nielos  Danford  &  m''  meeds  one  Rod  on  liaeh  then 
Runing    to    the    North    eastrdh'    Corner    of    Ifaiah     Witts 
Land  then    Runing   Southerdly   to  the   Brook  then    Runing 
a   Strate   Line   to   the   Rode    Betwen    Jefse   freneh   ^c    Tho'' 
Dutton  to  the  County  Road 

Ifaae  Gibfon         ) 

Ruben  Gibfon       1^ 

ir  •    1    iT-*4  '  Committe 

I  aiah  Witt 


Will"'  Chadwiek 

21'^  \'otted  that  the  Road  be  Exepted  from  m"'  James 
Richardsons  to  mr  Bhinehas  Steward  fo  frar  as  the  Land 
fhall  ])e  given  &  now  farther  that  is  Begining  at  Leomin- 
ftor  Line  through  m^'James  Richerdfons  Land  to  Will'"  Stew- 
ards Land  &  through  P'  Stewards  Land  to  Samuel  Parees 
Land  &  through  P'  Parees  Land  to  phinehas  Stewards 
Land  (S:  ujion  1"''  Stewards  Land  into  the  Road  near  P' 
Stewards  floufe  P'  Road  to  be  two  Rods  Wide  Peicribed 
by  marks  on  the  liaft  lide 

Pavid  (iooilridgc  1 

Will"'  Steward  Committe 

Samuel   Paree         J 

22'^  Cai)t  Pavid  Goodridge  Laid  his  a  Count  belor 
the  Town  and   Votted  to  \n\\  him  lixteen  fhilings 

2.'*'>  John  White  Laid  his  a  Count  belor  the  'fown  <\: 
Votted  by  them   to  ])ay  him  nine  Shilings 

24'>  Ivph"'  Whitney  Laid  his  aeount  belor  the  town 
&  Votted  by   them  to  pay  bvightLii  Shilings  cS:   Ivight  ])enee 

'2y)^^'  Tho"  Putton  Laid  his  a  Count  belor  the  Town 
and  Votted  [li^J  by  them  to  pay  him  ten  Shilings  \:  liight 


IC  I'll,-   cV7  Riionls  of  the 

pence   or   lli.-it    it    l)f   a    LowlcI    tlic   next   year  on    liis   high 
way  Kals 

2r)'>'     to  ajjplv  to  Coart  lor  a  Tax  on  the  Lands 

L'T'^  X'ottcd  cK:  Chose  1  )e'  Atnos  Kiml)all  to  ajjply  to 
Coint  tor  a  tax  to  be  Laid  on  the  Wild  Land     .... 

L'S'^     Votted  and  Chofe  Ca])^  Tho'^  Covvdin  | 

Ruben  Gibfon  \  Committc 
Ifaiah  Witt      J 
to  aGrcc  With    I)c"   Amos   Kimball   what  fume  to  afk   the 
Coart  lor  as  a  tax  on  an  acre  of  Land 

21)'>"  \'otted  that  Survaers  be  the  Collectors  of  the 
High  Way  Kates  for  this  prefent  year 

a()'>  Votted  that  the  9  artile  in  the  warrant  which 
wa5  to  fee  if  the  Town  would  alter  the  place  for  feting 
the  meeting  house  be  pafsed  over 

31'>  Votted  that  Hoggs  Go  at  Large  this  prefent 
year 

32'>'  Votted  and  alowed  the  Select  mens  acounts— £2 
—0—8 

Worceftr  fs  to  the  Cunftable  of  the  town  of  fitch- 
burgh  Greting  you  are  Requird  in  his  majefts  name  to 
notifie  and  warn  all  the  free  Holders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  f^  Town  Quallified  by  Law  to  Votte  in  Town  meetings 
to  afemble  &  meet  at  the  Houfe  of  Cap^  Tho^  Cowdins 
Inholder  in  f''  Town  on  mond}-  the  feventeenth  Day  of  June 
Inftant  at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  &  there 
being  Duely  meet  to  act  on  the  foloing  articals  hearafter 
menfioned  that  is  firft  to  Chuef  a  moderator  for  the  Gov- 

erment  of  f''  meeting 

2'>"  to  fee  Whether  the  Town  Will  Repair  the  old 
Bridge  or  Build  a  new  one  over  f"^  River  near  the  mills  .  . 
3'>'  to  fee  What  method  the  Town  will  Come  into  to 
buield  P'  Bridge  or  Votte  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as 
they  fhall  think  proper  =  Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return 
of  this  warrant  unto  fom  one  of  us  the  Subferibers  at  or 
befor  f''  Day  Given  under  our  Hands  &  Seal  at  fitchburgh 
June  the  3''-'>'  &  in  the  fifth  year  of  his  Majefts  Reign  A  D 
1 7G5 

David  Good  ridge  |  Select  men 
Amos  Kimball      \         for 
Tho''  Cowdin         [  fitchburgh 


Tinun  of  Fitiliburgh.  17 

[t>0]     Worceftr  fs    fitchbur^di  June  the  lo  176") 

In   obediancc  to  the  within  writen  warrant  I  have  no- 

tifid    &    warnd    the  free  holders    &   other    Inhabitents   to 

appear    at   time  &    place    within    mefioned    to   act   on   the 

articles    within    nienfhoned   acording   to  the   tenour   of  the 

within  Inftrenient 

P""  Phinehas  Steward  Conftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  free  holders  &  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  qualified  by  Law  to  Votte  in 
Town  meetings  at  the  houfc  of  Cap*  Tho^  Cowdins  Inholder 
in  f  Town  on  munday  the  Seventeenth  Day  of  June  1765 
at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  their  being 
Duely  meet  &  formd  proceeded  as  follows  that  is.    .    . 

I'y     Votted  &  Chofc  mr  John  White  moderator     .     . 

2'-^'  Votted  to  Repair  the  old  Bridge  over  the  River  in 
f''  Town  near  the  mills     .... 

3'>'  Votted  that  the  Bridge  be  Repaired  by  a  tax  Laid 
on  the  Inhabitants  of  f''  Town 

4'-^'  Votted  &  Greed  with  m''  Phinehas  Steward  &  m"" 
Jonathan  Wood  to  Lndertak  to  Rei)air  the  Bridge  for 
Eight  pounds  Lawful!  money  their  Dowing  the  Bifines 
forthwith     .     .     . 

Worceftr  fs  To  the  Counftable  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burgh Greeting  you  are  Required  in  his  majefts  name  to 
notif}'  &  warn  all  the  free  holders  &  others  Inhabitants 
of  f  Town  Qualliiycd  by  Law  to  Votte  in  Town  meet- 
ings to  afemble  &  meet  at  the  Houfe  of  Capt  Tho"  Cow- 
dins  Inholder  in  {^  town  on  monday  the  thurteth  Day  of 
Septembr  Inftant  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon 
then  &  their  l)eing  Duely  meet  to  act  on  the  articals  fol- 
lowing tiiat  is  firft  to  Chouse  a  moderator  for  the  Gover- 
ment  of  f  meeting 

2'>'  lo  fee  what  methord  the  Town  will  com  into 
Relating  fcools  (S:  cliule  a  Committee  lor  the  same  <S:  (live 
them  fuch  Inltructons  as  they  I'hall  think  i)ro]ier  cS:  Raife 
money  for  the  fame  as  they  lliall  tliink  ])ro])cr     .... 


18  I'lic  Old  Records  of  the 

;{'^  to  Itc-  whether  the  Town  will  have  ancy  preach- 
ing,' ill  I''  Powii  the  Winter  Infiiing  &  Rais  money  for  the 
ranie  \:  Choiife  .'i  Committee  to  provide  preaching  [^1]  & 
C.ive  them  Siieli   hirtructons  as  they  Shall  think  ])ropcr 

1'^  to  Kaile  money  for  m""  Fetter  Whitney  for  his 
llirce  Last   D.iys  preaching  Laft  Winter     .... 

,")''  to  fee  whr'it  method  the  Town  will  come  into  to 
K.ise  the  meeting  Hoiile     ... 

()'^  to  choufe  a  committee  to  provide  fuch  things  as 
they  Sii.-ill  tliinlv  nefesary  for  Raiiing  f  Houfe  &  Give 
them   fiKii   Inl'lnictons  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

7'^  to  hear  the  acounts  of  aney  perfons  that  have 
Dun  Servis  for  the  Town  &  Grant  money  for  pa^vment  of 
the  fame 

.S'>  to  lee  if  the  Town  will  Exept  of  the  Bridge 
X'ottcd  to  be  Built  by  m''  Phinehas  Steward  &  ml  Jona- 
than Wood  &  Votte  aney  thing  as  they  fhall  think 
proper    

9'>'  to  Raife  aney  Sum  or  Sums  of  money  for  Servife 
of  f  Town  as  the}''  Sail  think  proper 

Here  of  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  & 
your   Dowings   there  on  to  Sum   one  of  us  the   Subfcribers 

at   or  before  the  time  of  meeting  Given   Under    our 

hands  &  Seal  at  titchburgh  this  Seventeenth  Daj^  of  Sep- 
tembr  6v:    in  the  fifth  year  of  his  majefts  Reign  A  D  1765 

David  Goodridge  f       Select 
Amos  Kimball      [      men  for 
Tho®  Cowdin         [  fitchburgh 

Worceftr  fs    fitchburgh  Sepf  the  thirteth  1765 
I  have  wared  all  the  Votters  Acording  to  the  within  Rit- 
ten  Warrant     ....?••  Phinehas  Steward  Conftable 

at  a  Legal  mctting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhab- 
itents  of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Qualified  by  Law  to 
Votte  in  Town  meetings  at  the  Houfe  of  Cap<^  Tho^  Cow- 
dins  Inholder  in  f  Town  on  monday  the  thurteth  Day  of 
Sei)"  1765  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon  the  Town 


Totvii  of  FitcJtburgJi.  19 

being  meet  &  formd  proceded  to  act  on  the  folowing 
artels  here  after  mcnfoned  tliat  is  firft  \'otted  &  Chofe 
Cap*  Tho*"  Cowdin  moderator     .... 

2'-^'  Votted  that  the  lecond  &  third  artcle  in  f'^  war- 
rant be  paled  over  which  artcles  ware  Relating  to  having 
Scool  &  preaching  the  Winter  Infuing 

3'-^'  Votted  that  money  be  Raised  to  pay  m*"  Fetter 
Wittney  for  his  three  Lal't  Da^'s  preaching  Laft  Winter 

['-i^]  4'>'  \'otted  that  Every  man  bring  in  his  jirovi- 
fon  to  the  meeting  houfe  fpot  for  the   Railing  of  the  Same 

5'y  Votted  that  De"  Amos  Kimball  Cap^  Tho'^  Cowdin 
Eph'"  Kimball  <S:  Ifaac  Gibfon  &  Ifaiah  Witt  be  a  Com- 
mittee for  to  provide  fuch  things  for  the  Raising  of  the 
meeting  houfe  in  f  Town  as  thcw  fhall  think  proper 

6'y    Votted  that  the  Second  article  be  pafsed  over     .     . 

7'y  Votted  that  Six  Dollors  be  aded  to  m''  Phinehas 
Steward  &  m"^  Jonathan  Wood  for  Som  Extreordny  work 
Dun  to  the  Bridge  b}-  Kimballs  mill     .     .     . 

8'>'    Votted  that  the  ninth  artical  be  pid'sed  over 

Worceftr  fs  to  the  cunl'tablc  of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh 
Greeting  in  his  maieftes  name  you  are  Requird  to  notify 
&  warn  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitents  Quallifyed  by 
Law  to  vote  in  town  afairs  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the 
house  of  Tho''  Cowdins  Inholder  in  fitchburgh  on  Thurfdy 
the  twenty  firft  Day  of  this  Inftant  Novembr  at  one  of 
the  clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  their  Being  Duly  meet 
and  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  articals  that  is  firlt  to 
Choufc  a  moderator  lor  the  Goverment  of  f  meeting     .     . 

2'>'   to  hear  acounts  of  the  Town  Trealuror     .... 

8'>'  to  Chouse  a  Committee  to  provide  Scool  or  Scools 
as  they  fhall  think  jjroper 

4'>  to  Raifc  money  for  the  Scool  or  Scools  as  they 
fhall  think  jiroj) 

")'>  to  fee  What  method  the  Town  will  com  into  to 
cover  the  meetinghouse  &  to  give  the  Committc  ancy  fur- 
ther Inftructons  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

()">  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Rais  aney  lum  or  funis  ol 
money  for  finishing  f  meeting  houfe 


20  Till-  Old  Riionis  of  the 

7'>  to  hear  tlic  Report  of  the  Coniniittcc  for  provid- 
ing^ a  Hncring  yard  or  ^ivc  tlicni  aney  further  Instruetons 
as  thev  Shall  think  proper 

S'^  lo  fee  Whether  the  Town  Chuefes  to  have  aney 
preaeliiiiK  ll'i^  Winter  cK:  to  choufe  a  Committee  to  pro- 
vide as  they  Ihall  think   i)ropcr 

•»'^  to  Chonle  a  Committee  or  Committes  as  they 
shall  think  ])r()per 

Yl\\\  1<>|^  to  hear  aney  a  Counts  of  aney  perfons  that 
hath  Done  Servis  for  f  Town  is.  to  Raife  monney  for  the 
Same  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

11'^  to  fee  Whether  the  Town  will  aLow  Timothy 
parker  aney  fitting  Confideration  for  Servis  in  Building 
the  meeting  hous 

12'>  to  fee  Whether  the  Town  will  Rais  aney  Sum  or 
Sums  of  money  for  Serviee  of  P'  Town  as  they  fhall  think 
Nefesary 

Hear  of  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  Warrant 
With  your  Downgs  there  on  to  Sume  one  of  us  the  Sub- 
feril)rs  at  on  or  before  the  time  of  f''  meeting  Given  under 
our  hands  and  Seal  at  titchburgh  this  twelfth  Day  of 
novcmbr  <Sc  in  the  fifth  year  of  his  majefts  Reign  A  D 
1765  Tho^  Cowdin         [Select 

Amos  Kimball       (men  for 
David  tjoodridge  [fitchburgh 

Woreefter  fs    htehburgh  Novembr  the  21  1765 
In    obediance     to    your    Warrant    I    have    notify d     & 
warned   all   the   Inhabitents  of  f*^  Town   quallifid   b\-    Law 
to  vote  in  Town  afairs  Phinehas  Steward  Conftable 


at  a  Leagal  meeting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  In- 
habitents of  the  Town  of  titchburgh  Quallifed  by  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  afairs  at  the  Houfe  of  Capt  Tho''  Cowdins 
Inholder  in  titchburgh  on  thursday  the  21  Day  of  novembr 
1 7()5  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  the  Town 
being  meet  &  formd  proceded  to  act  on  the  following 
arteles  that  is  firft  Votted  &  Chofe  David  Goodridge  mod- 
erator   .... 


Tfli\.>ii  of  Fitchbnt'gli.  21 

2'>'  Votted  that  their  Shall  be  a  Scoole  Kept  this 
Winter 

3'>'     Votted  that  Cai)»  Tho'^  Cowdin  (Scool 

Kindall  Boutwall  !  Committee 
Jonathan  Wood      (for  f''  Town 

4'>'  \'otted  to  have  two  Scools  in  i"''  Town  &  that 
m*"  Poole  &  m""  John  fitch  with  their  Neighbors  have  the 
Renefitt  of  their  Scool  money  in  order  to  provide  a  mong 
them  felves 

5'-^'   Votted  that  three  pounds  be  Raifed  for  Scooling 

6'>'  Votted  that  the  Committee  provid  Bords  with  all 
other  other  nefecaries  needfull  in  order  to  cover  the  meet- 
ing House  in  P'  Town 

[*^4]  7'>  Votted  that  Cap^  Tho^  Cowdin  iindertak  to 
finifh  the  out  fide  of  the  meeting  house  &  Lay  the  Lower 
flower  for  three  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor  the  Town  pro- 
viding all  the  ftufe  necefary  therefor  at  the  I'pot  where  I'' 
House  Itands 

8'>'  Votted  that  Seventy  Pounds  be  Raifed  for  the  ufe 
of  f^  town 

9'y  Votted  to  Exept  the  Report  of  the  Committe 
Chofcn  by  f  Town  to  ])rovide  a  burieng  yard 

10'-^'   Votted  not  to  have   preching  this  winter     .     .     . 

ll'y  Votted  &  Chofe  Elifha  fuUum  a  Committee  man 
to  Joyn  with  Capt  David  Goodridge  &  Cap^  Tho'*  Cowdin 
to  take  the  Care  &  Build  a  meeting  houfe  in  f  ,Town     .     . 

12  \'otted  to  m'  Timothy  Parker  lught  pounds  as  a 
Consideration  for  his  hewing  &  framing  the  meeting  house 
in  f''  Town 

Worcefter  fs  To  the  Cunftable  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burgh  Greting  In  his  majefts  name  you  are  Recjuird  to 
notifie  &  warne  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitents 
(pialified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  afairs  to  alembic  <S: 
meet  at  the  house  of  Tho^  Covvdins  Inholdcr  in  I"''  fitch- 
burgh  on  tnondy  the  third  Day  of  march  next  at  nine  of 
the  Clock  in  the  four  noon  then  <S:  their  being  Duely  meet 
&  formd  to  act  on  the  artels  folowing 

l'>'    to  Chusc  a   moderator  fcjr  G()\crmcnt  of  I''  meclini: 


22  riic  Old  Records  of  the 

2''    to  Cluisc  Sckvl  iiicrn  &  other  Town  oficers     .     .     . 

:i'^  to  Ivxc'pt  of  fuch  Roads  as  Shall  be  Laid  out  l)y 
the  Select  men  or  their  order     .... 

•  11 V  to  Kais  aney  Som  or  Sums  of  money  for  mending 
hi^di  ways  tS:  vote  how  it  Shall  be  workt  out     .... 

r>'>  to  pafs  a  Vote  that  all  those  perfons  that  hath 
C.iven  Land  for  Town  Rods  Shall  not  be  at  aney  coft  to 
])urches  Rods  for  other  perfons  that  hath  not  Given  aney 
Land  for  Town  Rods  til  others  have  given  their  proporton 
Iv(|uel     .     .     . 

()'>■  to  see  if  the  Town  will  pafs  a  Vote  that  the 
Sevral  Servars  or  Colectors  of  the  high  way  Rats  Shall 
be  aeountabl  to  the  Town  Treafuror  for  the  Soms  eom- 
mitted  to  them  to  be  Workd  out     .... 

7'>'  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Reconfider  their  vots  of  the 
Last  meeting  Relating  a  Buerying  yard  &  Exept  of  another 
l)lace 

8'>'  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Dis  Continue  aney  Rods 
that  are  alredy  Laid  out 

[tia]  9'>'  to  fee  if  the  Town  Thinks  proper  to  proced 
on  their  former  vote  Relating  the  Land  tax  to  have  the 
Commite  alredy  ehofen  proced  or  give  them  anev  farther 
Inftructons  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

10'>'  to  here  the  a  Counts  of  the  Several  Survars  for 
the  year  ])aft  &  vote  aney  thing  there  on  as  they  Sail 
think  proper 

ll'>'  to  here  the  a  Counts  of  aney  perfon  that  hath 
Don  Serves  for  the  Town  &  Rais  money  to  pa3'  the  Same 

12  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  com  into  Sume  method  to 
j)revent  other  Towns  people  Bringing  Catle  into  Town  as 
it  is  a  Grate  Damige  to  the  Inhabitants 

13'>'  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Suffer  hogs  to  Run  at 
Large  the  prefent  3'ear 

14-'>'  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  give  the  committee  aney 
further  Inftructons  towards  Glafmg  the  meeting  house  & 
Culliring  the  fame  if  they  think  proper 

!;")'>■  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  com  into  aney  other 
metod  to  warn  Town  meetings  for  the  futer 

10'>'  to  Chufc  a  County  Regifter  for  the  Countv  of 
Worceftcr 


Town  of  FitcJihurs^Ji.  23 

Here  of  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  Warrant  with 
vour  Dowings  their  on  to  Sum  one  of  us  at  or  Hefor  the 
time  of  meeting  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal  this  17 
Da3'  of  febuery  &  in  the  fixth  year  of  his  majefts  Reign 
A   f)  1700 

David  (ioodridge  [Select  men 
Amos  Kimball       !         for 
Tho""  Cowdin  jfitchburgh 

Worceftr  fs  fitchburgh  march  the  1  1700) 
In  obedianc  to  this  warrant  I  have  warned  ail  the 
free  holders  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Ihabitents  Quali- 
fied by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  metings  to  meet  at  Cap^ 
Tho"  Cowdins  on  mondy  the  third  Day  of  march  at  nine 
of  the  Clock  in  the  four  noon 

Phinehas  Steward  Conftable  for  fitchburgh 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  town  of  fitchburgh  qualifid  by  Law  to  vote 
in  Town  afares  to  meet  at  the  houfe  of  Cap*  Tho'*  Cow- 
dins  in  f  fitchburgh  on  mondy  the  third  Day  of  march 
1700  the  Town  being  meet  Votted  &  Chofe  Cap^  David 
Goodridge  moderator 

['-iO]  2'^  Votted  &  chofe  Amos  Kimball  Tho'^  Cow- 
din  David  Goodridge  Select  men  for  the  f''  Town     .     .     . 

8'>-    Votted  &  Chofe  Amos  Kimball  Town  Clark     .     . 

4'y    Votted  &  Chofe  Jonathan  Wood  Towit  Treafurcr 

5'>'    Votted  &  Chofe  Hph'"  Kimball  Cunftable     .     .     . 

G'>'  Votted  &  Chofs  mofes  Thurlo  Solomon  Steward 
wardens 

7'>'  Votted  &  Chofe  Nichlos  Danforth  Xehcmiah  fuller 
Tiething  meen 

8'>'  Votted  &  Chofe  Tho"^  Cowdin  Tho-^  Harris  William 
flagg  David  Goodridge  mofes  Thurlo  to  be  Survars  of 
high  Ways 

9'>-  Votted  &  Chofe  Jofeph  Low  l-:iirha  fulluni  Dcar 
Reavs 

1()'>'  Votted  &  Chofe  John  fitch  Kindal  BouUill  to 
take  care  of  fiers 

ll'>-  Votted  &  Chofe  William  Cox  Jonathan  lb. It 
Hezekiah  Hodgkns  hogg  Rcves 


21  The  Old  Records  of  the 

1L">  \otU(l  6v:  Cliolc  I'liinchas  Steward  Survare  of 
C'lnhords  i*v;  Shingcls 

i:','^  \'()tU'(l  (S:  Cliolc"  John  I'lifs  Survare  of  hups  & 
Staves 

14'>'     NOtled  X:  Cliofe  jaeob  Steward  Seler  of  Lether 

!;")'>•  Votted  <S:  Chofe  Amos  Kimball  I-^ph'"  Kimball 
lent-  vewers 

!<)'>     X'otted  &  Chofe  Tho^  Cowdin   Survare  of  Wheet 

17'>'  Votted  c'v:  Chofe  Ifaac  Gibson  Phinehas  Steward 
field  Drivers 

l.S'>  Votted  that  the  Rod  be  Exepted  from  the  Bridge 
nar  Jefse  frenchs  mills  to  Elifha  fullonis  if  Given  it  Begin- 
in*;  at  f''  Bridge  Kuning  through  Land  of  Samuel  Walkers 
near  a  fouth  west  pint  to  Land  of  Amos  Kimballs  & 
through  f''  Kimballs  Land  to  Land  of  m""  Olivers  near  a 
fouth  ])int  through  f*^'  Olivers  Land  to  Land  of  Elifha  ful- 
Uuus  &  through  f^  fullums  Land  to  the  Rod  that  Leads 
by  f  fullums  to  Leomenftr  and  marked  numbr  of  treas 
on  the  wefterdly  fide  of  f  Rod  faid  Rod  to  be  two  Rods 
wide 

Amos  Kimball  I  ^  ,•  r,i 
^v,  ^  ry  1-  (  men  oi  1" 
1  ho''  Cowdm     j     ^ 

[    Town 

[27]  19'>-  Votted  &  Exepted  a  two  Rod  Road  if 
Given  Begining  at  mofes  Thurlos  &  Tho^  Garys  Land  fo 
Runing  through  m*"  meeds  Land  to  Land  of  F  Thurlos  & 
then  to  Land  of  Tho'^  Duttons  fo  through  to  the  county 
Road  at  f"^  Duttons  house  on  the  Wefterdly  fide  of  f*^  Dut- 
tons Houfe  &  marked  the  trefs  on  the  sotherdly  Side  & 
Wefterdly  Side 

Ifaac  Gibfon 
Ifaiah  Witt 

Ebenezer  Bridge/  ^   ^^-.^ 
mofes  Thurlo       )  ^omitte 
Tho^  Cowdin        ( 
2()'>    Votted  that  Sixty  pounds  be  Raifed  for  the  mend- 
ing the  high  Ways  for  this  prefent  3'ear 

21  Votted  that  it  be  Left  to  the  Select  men  how  high 
way  money  fhall  be  workt  out  with  thefe  Reftraints  that 
it  be  workt  out  by  the  our  as  was  the  Last  year     . 

22'>    Votted    that    thofe    that    have    (Tiven    Rods   in    f 


Toiv)i  of  FitcJiburgh.  25 

Town  fhall  not  be  Expofed  to  By  Rods  til  others  that 
have  not  Given  aney  Shall  he  their  proportional)!  part 
with  them 

23'>'  Votted  that  the  Survars  Shall  be  Coleetors  of 
high  way  Rats  &  Shall  be  a  Countable  to  the  Town 
Treafuror  for  the  Sums  Committed  to  them  to  be  workt 
out     .... 

24'>'  Votted  that  the  former  vote  Refjjeeting  the  Towns 
Exepting  the  Report  of  a  Commite  Chofen  to  provide  a 
buering  3'ard  be  Reeonfiderd 

25'-^'  Votted  to  Except  one  acre  of  Land  of  Amos  Kim- 
ball for  a  Buering  yard     .     .     . 

26'>'  Votted  that  the  Rod  from  Tho^  Garys  barn 
towards  Cap*  Jonathan  Woods  mill  be  throne  uj) 

27'y  Votted  that  the  Committee  Chofen  to  Git  a  Land 
tax  Shall  proceed 

28'y  Votted  that  the  old  Survaers  See  that  the  high 
ways  Rats  for  the  year  paft  be  workt  out  cK:  to  Settle 
with  the  Treafurer 

29'>'  Votted  that  Cap*  David  Goodridge  aCount  be 
a  Low''  10/ 

30'>"  Votted  that  Amos  Kimball  a  Count  be  a  Low'' 
10/ 

31'>"  phinehas  Steward  Laid  his  Aount  befor  the  Town 
for  warning  out  perfons  &  votted  to  pay  him  8/ 

32'>'  Eph'"  Kimball  Laid  his  a  Count  befor  the  Town 
for  being  Treafuror  and  votted  by  them  to  pay  him  12 

33'>'  Amos  Kimball  Laid  his  a  Count  before  the  Town 
['48]  for  Keping  Whitney  &  votted  by  them  to  i)ay  him 
Sixteen  Shilings 1<> 

34'>-  Votted  that  the  Inhabitants  of  other  Towns  fliall 
not  be  alowed  to  bring  in  aney  Cattel  into  town  that 
have  no  Intrest  in  f  town 

35'>'     Votted  that  the  hoaggs  Go  att  Large  this  year 

36'>-  Votted  that  the  Committey  Chofen  to  Glafe  the 
metinghouse  arc  to  Coller  the  f  houfe 

Septembr  the  15  1  TOO 
Worcefter   fs     to    Ivphriam    Kimball    Cunltable    ol    the 
Town    ol    fitchburgh    (ireeting     in    his    majeltis    name    you 


2(;  'I'lic   Old  Records  of  the 

;irc  K\(|iiir(l  to  iiotily  tK:  wanic  all  the  iVcc  holders  & 
olluT  Iiili;il)it.'mt.s  (|iialiri(]  hy  Law  to  vote  in  town  afaers 
to  alscnihle  iS:  meet  att  the  meeting  house  in  f''  town  on 
niotuiv  the  twenty  vSeeond  Day  of  this  month  at  one  of 
the  Cloek  in  the  alter  noon  then  &  their  being  Duely  met 
.-ind  Ibrmd  to  aet  on  the  artcals  folowing 

1'^     to  Clnife  a  moderator  for  Goverment  of  f''  meeting 

2'>'  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Exept  of  what  m*"  Abel 
H.'ddwin  hath  Don  in  finishing  of  the  out  fide  of  the  meet- 
ing house  and  Laying  the  Loear  floer 

3'>'  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  pro- 
vide a  Seool  or  Scools  &  to  Chufe  a  Committe  to  provid 
a  Seool  marster  &  to  Give  them  fuch  Inftruetons  as  they 
I'hall  thnk  ])roi)er 

4'>  to  See  if  they  will  have  preaching  this  winter  & 
to  Chuse  a  Committee  for  the  Same  purpos  &  to  Give 
them  Such  Inftroctons  a  they  Shall  think  proper    .... 

5'^'  to  See  What  method  the  town  will  com  into  in 
Dispofmg  of  the  pue  Ground  in  the  meeting  house  &  to 
Chuse  a  Committee  for  that  purpos  &  to  Give  them  Such 
Inftruetons  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

<)     Past  over 

?'>■  to  See  if  the  town  will  Raise  aney  money  to  De- 
fray Town  Charges 

S'>  to  See  if  the  Town  will  a  bate  m""  Ebenzer  Bridge 
what  he  was  Ratted  for  Barnebas  Woods  in  the  vear 
1  7G4. 

9'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  com  into  aney  method  to 
build  a  pound 

10'>  to  See  if  the  Town  w^ill  Raise  aney  mone}-  to  fin- 
iih  the  County  Rode  Latly  Laid  out  by  the  Corts  Com- 
mittey 

Here  of  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
fom  one  of  us  at  on  or  before  the  Day  a  bove  mentined 
(oven  under  our  hands  &  Sele  this  fiftenth  Day  of  Sep- 
tembr  ITGG  &  in  the  Sixth  [29]  year  of  his  majefts 
Reign 

Amos  Kimball      ]  Select  men 
David  Goodridge|  of 

Thos  Cowdin        j   iitchburgh 


Town  of  Fitchbnrgh.  27 

I  have  warned  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants 
acording  to  Law  Hphriani  Kimball  Cunftable  of  fitchburgh 

at  a  Legal  meetting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  fitehburgh  Oualified  by  Law  to  vote 
in  town  a  fauers  at  the  meeting  house  in  f''  Town  on 
mondy  the  twenty  fecond  Day  of  this  month  at  one  of 
the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  the  Town  being  meet  voted  & 
Chofe  Cap^  David  Goodridge  moderator 

'2^y  Yotted  &  Exepted  of  What  m-^  Abel  Baldwin  has 
Dun  toward  finifhing  the  out  iide  of  the  meeting  houfe 
&  Laying  the  under  floor 

3'y  Votted  that  the  Town  Treafurer  Shall  (live  Secuer- 
ety  to  mr  abel  Baldwine  or  Cap*^  Tho''  Cowdin  for  finifh- 
ing the  out  Side  of  the  meeting  house  &  Laying  the  under 
floore 

4'>'  \'otted  to  have  a  Scool  in  f''  town  6c  Rais  liight 
pounds  for  to  be  Laid  out  in  Scooling 

r)'>'  Chofe  Ruben  Gibfon  Ephriam  Kimball  mofes  Thurlo 
Scool  Commite 

()'>■  Votted  that  two  thirds  of  the  fcoo!  money  to  be 
Laid  out  in  the  middel  of  the  Town  &  the  Relt  of  the 
money  to  be  Laid  out  by  the  Commity  as  they  Shall  think 
proper  on  the  out  fides  off  the  Town 

7'^    Votted  to  have  preching  in  f  town 

8'y  Votted  &  Raifed  forty  pounds  of  money  for 
preaching 

!)'>■  Chofe  Amos  Kimball  Elifha  fullam  Jonathan  Wood 
for  to  git  a  minester  to  prech     .... 

lO'y  Votted  to  here  m""  Petter  Whitney  m'  angier  m'' 
Payson  if  they  will  com  &  preach  with  us     ...     . 

ll'y   Votted  to  Sell  the  Pue  Ground  in  laid  meting  house 

12'y  Votted  that  fifty  three  pounds  fix  fhilings  6c  Eight 
penc  be  Laid  upon  the  peue  Ciround     .... 

13'>  Chofe  John  White  Kindal  Bout  wall  Soloman 
Steward  John  Thulton  Ivi)h'"  Knuball  for  to  Lay  out  6c 
Dignify  the  ])ues  6c  to  make  Return  to  the  Town  the  next 
meeting 

14-'>  Votted  that  i:])ene/cer  Bridges  Raets  fhall  ])e 
abated  which  he  was  Rated  tor  Barney  Wood  in  the  year 
1704 


'2H  I' lie   (Vt/  Records  of  tli, 

ir>'^  \otU(l  Lli.'it  tlic  lii;4;cst  p.'iN'cr  upon  Keael  Estate 
Ilia II  li.ivi-  tin-  lirlt  Clioisc  in  the   pucs  in  faid  metn^  houfe 

K;'^     \'<)Uc(i  to  Build  a  ])ound  in  faid  Town     .     .     . 

|:{<)|  17'>  \'ottc(]  that  livery  furvacr  in  P' Town  Shall 
work  one  Hay  with  their  hands  upon  the  new  County 
K'od  or  i)ay  the  money 

Woieeftr  Is  to  I'iphriani  Kimball  Cunftable  for  the 
Town  of  htchbur^h  Greeting 

In  his  majefts  name  you  are  Requird  to  warn  all  the 
free  holders  t\:  other  Inhabitants  Qualified  by  Law  to  vot 
in  Town  afaiers  to  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  f*^'  Town 
on  the  Second  Day  of  novembr  next  at  one  of  the  Clock 
in  the  after  noon  then  &  their  being  Duely  meet  and 
formd  to  act  on  the  artiles  folowing 

l'>     to  Chuese  a  moderator  for  Goverment  of  P'  meting 

2  to  fee  whether  the  town  will  Exept  of  what  the 
Comitte  hath  Dun  in  Dignifying  the  pue  Ground  or  order 
the  fame  Committee  to  make  ane^-  alteration  on  P'  Day 
as  they  Shall  think  proper 

»i'>  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Inpower  the  Commity 
Chofen  by  the  Town  to  Dignify  the  pue  Ground  or  vote 
anevthing  Refering  thereto 

4-'>  to  order  Every  perfon  that  Draws  a  pue  to  pay 
the  money  his  pue  is  prifed  at  to  the  Town  Treafuror  or 
Give  Secuerety  in  order  to  pay  m''  Boyenton  for  Glafing  & 
painting  the  meeting  houfe  &  to  pay  out  f  money  acord- 
ing  to  the  Commites  orders 

5'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Build  the  Body  Sects  in 
the  meeting  house  &  Errect  a  place  for  the  minester  to 
])reach  in 

(>'>  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Cafe  the  Windors  &  feale 
as  high  as  the  bottom  of  the  Windors  or  Give  the  Com- 
mitte  aney  further  Inftructons  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

7'>  to  have  aney  perfon  bring  in  their  aCounts  that 
have  aney  Demands  on  f  Town  &  Rais  money  for  to  pay 
the  fame 

S'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  com  into  aney  other 
nietlu^rd   to  warn  town  meetings  for  the  futter     .... 


Toxvii  of  FitcJiburgli.  29 

9'-''  to  See  if  the  Town  will  provide  ftones  for  fteps 
for  the  meetinghous  Dores  and  to  Dige  Down  the  Bank  the 
baek  Ikle  of  the  meeting  house  in  order  to  Kecj)  the 
Gravel    [31]    Working  Down  against  the  Sels 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Dowings  there  of  to  fom  won  of  us  att  or 
before  the  Day  a  bove  menchened  Given  under  our  hands 
&  feal  this  thirty  firft  Day  of  octobr  &  in  the  iixth  year 
of  his  mjests  Reign  A  D.  1 7()() 

Amos  Kimball       1  Select  men 
Tho**  Cowdin         J  for 

David  Goodridgej  Mtchburuli 

rttchburgh  Xovembr  the  6  17()<5 
by    \'arty    of    this    Warrant    I    have    warned    the    free 
holders   &   inhabitents  of  this  Town   Qualified   for   \'oting 
acording  to  Law  to  meet  at  time  and  place 

Eph'"  Kimball  Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  free  holders  6c  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Qualified  by  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  a  fairs  at  the  meeting  house  in  f''  Town  on 
the  Seventh  Day  of  novenbr  the  Town  being  meet    .    .    . 

!'>■     Votted  &  Chofe  mr  John  Thufton  moderator    .    . 

2''  Votted  6c  wold  not  Bxept  of  what  the  Comity 
hath  Dun  in  Dignifying  the  pue  (iround  but  voted  that 
the  Commitey  fould  make  alter^itions  &  the  Same  Com- 
mitey  that  was  ehofen  to  Dignefy  the  pues  Ground  Went 
6c  made  an  alteration  in  Dignifying  the  pue  Ground  6c 
then  the  Town  votted  6c  Expted  of  What  the  Conimily 
hath  Don  in  Dignifying  the  ])ue  (iround  in  f''  meeting 
houfe 

3'-'^'  \'ottcd  that  the  Commitv  that  was  Chofcn  Id 
Dignify  the  pue  Ground  Shall  Give  Deeds  to  those  nuii 
that  have  i)ues  in  f''  meeting  house 

4-'>'  X'otted  that  thofe  men  that  have  jiues  Ihall  pay 
the  money  Down  or  (ii\c  Sccucrcty  to  the  Town  Treal- 
urer  tor  ihiee  nionllis  at  what  their  ])uc  ("iround  was 
prised  at 

5'-^'  X'otted  to  arect  a  place  for  the  niinesler  to 
preach  in 


;{0  'I'lic   (^l<{  Rciords  of  tlic 

C)'^  \'()ttc(l  lliaL  tlicy  will  c^ifc  the  windrs  below  and 
Icclc  up  lo  the  wiiulors  cK:  Leave  it  to  Cap*^  Goodridge 
Cap'  Cowdin   l^ilha  lullani  whieh  is  the  Commite     .     .     . 

7'^  \(»Ue(l  \:  Railed  fix  pounds  to  Defra}'  Town 
Cha!j4:es 

\\Vl\  .S'v  \'()tted  that  the  Town  meetings  fhall  be 
Warned  for  lutter  by  feting  uj)  the  warrant  fourteen  Days 
before  the  meetings  on  a  i^oft  near  the  meting  hous 

<)'>■  \'otted  lames  poole  Shall  Git  Steps  for  the  meet- 
inghouse Dowers  make  the  wall  the  Back  fide  of  the  meet- 
ing houfe 

A  True  Co])pe  lirrors  Iixei)ted 

The''  Cowdin  Town  Clark 
A    True  Cojjpey    Taken  off  the  old  Book  &  Enterd  on  this 

Book   bgining  at   page  five  and   Comparrd   by   us  the 

Subferibors   Chofen  by  the   Town  of  fitchburgh   octobr 

the  1   1770 

Errors  Excepted 

David  Goodridge)  .^       •. . 
T    I      ^I'uv  )  Comitte 

John  White  J 

[.'{l-J  march  \^  2  1767 

(leail)  Woreeftr  fs  To  m""  Ephriaim  Kimball  Cun- 
ftabl  for  the  Town  of  -fitehburg  Greting  —  —  In  his 
majestes  Name  you  are  Requred  to  Warn  all  the  free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitints  of  f*^  town  qualfied  b}^  Law 
to  Vote  in  town  a  fairs  to  a  femble  and  meet  att  the  met- 
ing house  on  the  Second  Da\-  of  march  Next  att  Nine 
o  Clock  in  the  fore  Noon  then  and  their  being  Duly  met 
cS:  formd  to  act  one  artels  following  that  is 

(1)  to  Chufe  a  moderator  for  Goverment  of  f*^'  meting 

(2)  To  Chuie  felect  men  &  other  town  officers     .     .     . 

(3)  To  Except  of  fuch  high  Ways  as  fhall  be  Laid 
out  by  the  Select  men  or  their  order     .     .     . 

4-  To  to  Raise  money  to  mend  the  high  Ways  for  the 
year  Infuing  &  to  Vote  how  it  fhall  be  Worked  out     .     . 

r»  To  hear  the  aCounts  of  the  town  treafurer  from 
the  Select  men 

6  To  fee  if  the  town  will  abate  fuch  Rats  as  fhall  be 
Laid  bfore  them  from  the  feveral  Conftables     .... 


Town  of  FitcliburgJi.  31 

7  To  hear  the  acounts  of  any  perfons  that  have 
Done  i'ervice  for  the  town  &  Raife  money  to  pay  the  fame 

8  To  fee  if  the  town  will  Raise  money  to  provide  the 
town  with  weights  &  nieafures  or  other  articles  as  the\' 
fhall  think  Xefafary 

9  To  fee  if  the  town  will  Let  their  hoggs  Run  at 
Large  this  prefent  year 

here  of  faile  not  &  make  Return  of  this  Warrcnt  with 

your  Doings  there  on  to  fume  one  of  Us  att  or  before  the 

time    above    mentioned     Given    under    our    hands    &    feail 

this   twclfe   Day   of   febuery  &  in   the  feventh   year  of  his 

maiefties  Reign  A  D  1707 

Amos  Kimball       1   c  i     *. 
~3        T-u       r-        T  Select 

t;^        Thos  Lowdm 

David  boodruigcj 

Worccftr  fs  htchburg  march  2  1767  In  obediance  to 
within  written  warrint  I  have  Notified  &  warned  the  fre 
holders  &  other  Inhabitans  to  apear  att  time  <S:  place 
within  mentioned  to  act  on  the  articals  within  mentioned 
according  to  the  tennor  of  the  within  Inftrumcnt 

Dr  Ephraim  Kimball  Conftablc 

at  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Qualified  by  Law  to 
\'otc  in  Town  meetings  on  monday  the  Second  day  of 
march  A  I)  1767  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  f  Town 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clark  X'oled 

[32-]  march  y^  2  1767 

1  Voted  and  Chose  Thos  Cowdin  modcralcr     .     .     . 

2  Voted  and  Chofe  Thomas  Cowdin  Isaac  (iibson 
Ifsair  Witt  Select  mccn 

vi  Voted  and  Chofe  Thomas  Cowdin  Town  Clark    .    . 

4  Voted  and  Chofe  Thomas  Cowdin  Town  Ircariucr 

f)  \'otcd  and  Chofe  Ifaac  (»ibfon  Conftablc     .... 

()  X'otcd  and  Chol'c  Cap*^  I)avid  Goodridge  «S:  John 
Thurltcn  Wardins 

7  \'otc(l    anil    Chofe    Reuben    Gibfon    furvyer   for   high 

wav 


:','Z  77/, ■  ()/r/  7\cior(ls  of  tlic 

S     \'()lc<l  rmd  Cliolc  laimicl  pirce  hij2jh  way  Curvare 
lo     \'()U'(1  and  Cliolc  J.'icol)  i)urfcr  high  way  furvar 
1  1      Voted  and  Cholc  Thomas  Hartwell   hi^^h  way   fur- 
var      

\'l     \()tcd  and  Cholc  jorci)h  Low  high  way  furvarc 
i;!     \()tc(i    and    Cholcn    Hczekiah    Hodgkin   high    way 
Inrvacr 

It-     \()tcd  and  Chofen  Ivphraim  Ofburn  &  John  White 
Tithing  men 

If)     Noted   and   Chofen   Caleb   Upton  &  Jofeph   Downs 
Deer  Refes 

1()     Voted    and    Chofen    phinehas    fteward    &   Ebnezer 
Bridge  lire  Wards     .     .     . 

1  7     \otcd  and  Chofen  William  fteward  &  Caleb  Upton 
and  James  Gray  hog  Refes 

18  Voted    and    Chofen    Soloman    fteward    furvare    of 
Clabord   and   fhingels Clabords   and   fhingels 

19  Voted    and    Chofen    Jonathan    Wood    furve^-er    of 
hoops  and  ftaves hoops  and  ftaves 

20  Voted  and  Chofe  William  Thurlo  Seler  of  Lether 

21  Voted    and    Chofe    Jofeph    fpafford     and    phinehas 
fteward  fence  Vewers 

22  Voted  and  Chofen  mofes  Thurlo  furvar  of  .  .  Wheat 

23  \'oted  and  Chofe  Nicholas  Danford   and  John  Bufs 
held   Drivers 

24  Voted  that  the  furve^'es  be  Collectors  for  the  year 
Infuing  of  the  high  way  taxes 

25  Voted  and  Excepted  a  Rode  from  John   Whites  to 
William  Thurlos  houfe  and  Given 

2fi    Voted    and     Excepted    a    Rode    from    the    County 
Kode  to  North  River  bridge  and  Given     .... 

27     Voted  and  Raifd  fixty  pounds  for   high  W'ays     -60 
\\V,\\     28    Voted    that  f^   money    fhall   be   Left   to  the 
Discreton  of  the  Select  men 

29  Voted  and  a  bated   the  Rats  of  William  Hodgkins 
on  the  a  Count  of  Jofhua  prieft 13/6  paid 

30  Voted     to     a     bate     famuel     Hodgkins     Rates     on 
a  Count  of  the  meting  houfe 13/  paid 

31  Voted  to  a  bate  the  Rats  of  Timothy  farley  -1.3.  0 
paid 


Town  of  Fitchbnrgh.  33 

32  Voted  and  a  bated  the  Rats  of  Daniel  merrall  5/ 
paid 

33  Voted  and  a  bated  the  Rats  of  Thomas  Button 
15/  paid 

34  \'oted  and  a  bated  Thos  Duttons  Rates  in  Hphraini 
Kimball    List 7  0  paid 

35  Voted  to  a  Low  Ca]5^  David  Goodrid^e      10     paid 

36  \'oted  to  a  Low  Jonathan  Wood  for  fevices  Dun 
the  town 12     paid 

37  Voted  to  a  Low  Deaeon  Kimball  for  ferves  Dun 
for  this  town £5 — 19 — 6  paid 

38  Voted  to  a  Low  Decon  Kimball  for  Serves  Dun 
this  town 10     paid 

39  \'oted  to  a  Low  Hphraram  Kimball  for  Serves 
Dun  this  town 10  '  paid 

40  \'oted  to  a  Low  Decon  Kimball  6  ])ur  Week  for 
bordarding  the  mineftrs  til  the  time  a  Greed  upon  is  Ex- 
pired for  mr  anger  to  preach     .     .     . 

41  \'oted  to  Let  the  Swine  Run  at  Lari^e  the  year 
Infuing  being  Lawfully  yoked  &  Ring 

The  meting  Dil'olved 

attest        Tho''  Cowden  Moderator 

fitchburg  June  1^*  1766 

We  have  Laid  out  a  tow  Rode  Roade  begining  at  y*" 
County  Roade  and  Runing  btwen  Blphle  mace  and  Land 
in  pofsefsion  of  Thomas  Cowdin  and  fo  Running  be  tween 
mace  and  Cowdin  until  it  Coms  to  y"-'  botom  of  y^"  falling 
Ground  and  then  Kutis  through  1''  Cowdins  Land  by 
markt  trees  on  the  Efterdly  tide  of  the  Roade  til  it  Coms 
to  Land  of  m""  Mofes  Thurlos  and  fow  to  y*'  River  Wheir 
it  Was  Laid  out  the  year  befor  by  y^  felect  mens  order 

and  the  Land  (liven  by  Amos  Kimball      \  Select 

Thomas  Cowdin     .     .     V     Thomas  Cowdin)    men 

[i54]  titchburg  february  y*^^  2()  1767 

Wc   the   Select   men    herby    order   m""  John    Thulten  and 
m'^  John    White    and    m*"   Nicolas    Danford    to    Lay    out   a 
Road  tow  Rods  Wide  from  William  Thurlos  houfe  a  Croas 
3 


;}4  The  Olii  Records  of  the 

mx  Dnnfords  and  mr  Tluiftcns  Land  to  the  Road  that 
Lods  to  inr  Ifaac  C.ibsons  houfe  and  from  that  Road  to 
mr    John    Wliitcs   lioufc  lor   Which   this  fhall  be  your   Sufi- 

catit  order 

P""    Amos  Kimball     \  felect 
Thomas  Cowdinf  men 

fitchburg  February  28*'^  1767 
In  obedeance  to  the  Within  Written  order  we  have 
Laid  out  a  two  Rod  Road  begining  at  William  Thurlos 
at  a  Chefnut  Tree  and  Runing  from  thence  threw  Land  of 
Nicholas  Danforth  to  Land  of  John  Thirften  and  mofes 
Thurlo  and  from  thence  to  the  Road  that  Goes  to  Ifaac 
Gibfons  and  from  that  Road  bgining  at  a  Chefnut  tree  at 
the  Eaft  of  that  ftrait  to  y*^  houfe  of  John  W'hite 

and  the  Land  Given  bv 

P*-    John  Thirfton 
John  White 


William  Thurlo  &  John 
Thirften  &  Nicholas 
Daforth  and  mofes 
Thurlo  and  John  White 


Nicholas  Danforth 


Worcester  fs    Fitchburgh  March  2^  1767 
Captain  Thomas  Cowden  being  by  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burgh at  their  Annual  Meeting  on  this  Da\'  Chofen  to  the 
office  of  Town  Clark  Took  the  Oath  by  Law  Required  to 
Enable  him  to  Act  as  Such    Attest 

Town  Clerk 

Worcester  fs    March  2^  1767 

The  Several  perfons  Chofen  to  the  Several  offices  in 
this  Town  at  the  Anual  Meeting  of  this  day  of  whom 
an  oath  by  Law  is  Required  Appeared  And  Took  the 
oaths  Required  by  Law  for  them  to  Take  to  Enable  them 
to  Execute  their  Various  offices :  Except  the  Town  Treaf- 
urer  and  Ty thing  men 

attest      Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

march  y''  9  Thomas  Cowdin  perenaly  a  peard  before 
me  and  tuck  the  oath  of  a  Town  treafurer 

F*    Tho^  Wilder  Juftice  of  peace 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgli.  35 

[35]     Worceftr  fs 

(Seal)  To  mr  Isaac  Gibson  Cunftable  for  y'^  Town  of 
Fitchburg    Greting 

In  his  majestes  name  you  are  Required  to  Warne  all 
y'^  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  f*^  Town  qualified  by 
Law  to  Vote  in  town  affairs  to  afemble  &  meet  att  y*^ 
meetinghouse  on  y*'  twenty  Seventh  Da^-  of  this  Inftant 
march  att  one  o  Clock  in  y"  after  noon  then  &  their 
being  Dueh'  mett  &  formd  to  act  on  y  artiales  folowing 
that  is 

1  To  Chufe  a  moderater  for   Goverment  of  f  meeting 

2  To  fee  What  method  y*'  Town  Will  Come  into  to 
provide  preaching  for  3-*^  futture  &  Give  y^  Committy 
Chofe  to  provide  jireaching  an}'  further  Inftructions  as 
they  fhall  think  proper 

Hear  off  fail  Not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrant 
With  your  Doings  their  on  to  forae  one  of  us  the  fubfcribers 
att  or  before  y*  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our 
hands  &  feals  this  thirteenth  Day  of  march  &  in  y  feventh 
year  of  his  mjefties  Reighn  A  D  1767     .... 

Thomas  Cowdin  |  Select 
Isaac  Gibfon  ! 

Ifaiah  Witt  mcen 


Worceftr  fs  Fitchburg  march  y*=  27  1767 
In  obediance  to  y'  Within  Written  Warrant  I  have 
Notefied  &  Waned  y'^  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  to 
a  pear  att  time  &  i)lace  within  menfhoned  to  act  on  \'= 
articals  with  in  mentioned  a  Cording  to  3'*^  tenor  of  y*^ 
Within  Iftrument 

t'    Isaac  Gibfon   Cunftable 

1  \'oted  &  Chofe   Cap^   David   Gooridgc   moderater  of 
f''  meting 

2  Voted  to  Not  to  act  on  y<^  fecond  article  in  y'"  War- 
rent 

y=  meting  Difolved 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 


'Mj  I'ltc  Old  Records  of  the 

[a(;i     Worccftcr   fs 

(\\.-:\\)     To  nir    Isaac   (iihson    CunCtablc  for  the  town  of 

III  liis  iiiajcsts  name  you  arc  Kc(|uicrd  to  Warn  all  the 
Ire-  holdrs  and  other  inhahitcnts  of  f  town  (|ualiHcd  by 
I, aw  lo  \()le  in  town  a  faers  to  a  Sembl  and  met  ?it  the 
meting  houle  on  niondy  the  Eleventh  Day  of  ma}'  next 
at  two  ()  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  bein^ 
hndv  met  and    formd  to  act  on  the  artels  folwing^   that  is 

1  To  Clincf  a  moderater  for  Goverment   of  S'^  meting 

2  To  See  Whether  the  town  w'ill  a  point  a  Day  of 
fastinp^  and  ])rayer  in  order  to  ask  Divine  a  Sistance  in 
(liveinjjj  Som  (icntelnian  a  Call  to  Setle  in  the  Gofpel  min- 
estry  in  this  town 

3  To  \'ote  What  mineftrs  the  town  will  a  ply  unto  to 
Carey  on  the  Work  of  the  Day 

4  To  Chuef  a  Comite  to  a  ply  to  those  Gentelman 
that  the  town  Shall  See  Cause  to  Chues 

here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrent 
With  your  Dowings  their  on  to  fum  one  of  us  the  fubscribrs 
at  or  befor  the  time  a  bove  mentned  Given  under  our 
hands  and  feal  this  twenty  fecond  Day  of  april  and  in  the 
feventh  year  of  his  niajeft  Reighn  A  D  1767 

%^    Thos  Cowdin  i  Select 
Isaac  Gibson  \ 
Isaiah  Witt      (   men 

Worester  fs  fitchburg  may  ll^^^  1767 

in  obedianc  to  the  Within  Warent  I  have  Notefid  and 
Warnd  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  to  a  pear  at 
time  and  place  With  in  mentned  to  act  on  the  artels  With 
in  mentned  a  Coring  to  the  tenor  of  y^  With  inftrement 

%?    Isaac  Gibson   Cuntble 

at  a  Leguel  meting  of  the  fre  holders  and  other  in- 
habetn  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  qualified  by  Law  to  Vote 
in  town  metings  on  mondy  the  Eleventh  Day  of  may  A  D 
1767  at  the  metin  house  in  f"^  town 

Tho^  Cowdin    Town  Clark 


Tou'll  of  FitcJibiu'gh.  37 

[37]  1  Voted  and  Chofe  Decon  amos  Kimall  moder- 
ater 

2  Voted  to  a  point  thurfdy  the  21  Day  of  may  to  be 
Set  a  part  for  a  Day   of  fafting  and   prayer  in  this   town 

3  Voted  to  a  ply  to  the  Revrent  m""  herington  xxx'' 
millens  m""  Winchefter  adams  &  nr  Gardner  to  Carey  on 
the  Work  of  the  Day     .... 

5    this  meting  Difolvd 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

Worcefter   fs 

(feale)     To  mr  Isaac  Gibson   Cunftabl  for  the  town  of 

fitchburg  Greting In  his  majests  name  you  are   Reqierd 

to  Warn  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  quali- 
fied by  Law  to  Vote  in  town  a  faers  to  a  Semble  and 
meet  at  the  meting  houfe  on  mondy  the  Eleventh  Day  of 
this  Inftent  may  at  five  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then 
and  their  being  Duely  met  and  formd  to  act  on  the  artels 
folowing 

here  of  tale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrent 
With  your  Dowings  there  on  to  fum  one  of  us  at  the 
time  and  place  a  bove  mentned  Given  under  our  hands 
and  Seals  this  Eleventh  Day  of  may  and  in  the  feventh 
year  of  his  majests  Reighn  A  D  1767 

p*"  Thos  Cowdin  Isaac  Gibson  Isaiah  Witt   Select  men 

Worcefter  fs    fitchburg  may  11^'^  1767 

In  obediants  to  the  Within  Warent  I  have  notified 
and  warnd  the  fre  holders  and  other  inhabitents  to 
a  pear  at  time  &  place  Within  mentned  to  act  on  the 
artels  Within  mentned  acording  to  tenor  of  the  Within 
Instruement 

%^     Isaac  Gibson   Cunftabl 

at  a  Legol  meting  of  the  frc  holders  and  other  inhabe- 
tents  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  qualified  by  Law  to  Vote 
in  town  metings  on  mondy  the  Eleventh  Day  of  may 
A  D  1767  at  the  meting  houfe  in  f  town 

1     Voted  and  Chose  Decon  amos  Kimbrdl  modcrater 


38  lilt'  Old  Records  of  the 

2  Voted  to  lUiild  the  i)ulpct  as  fune  as  the  ftufe  Can 
be  provideil 

3  Voted  to  order  the  Commitc  to  a  Gree  with  fom 
workman  to  bueld  the  pulpet 

\    Voted    to   ])urtehes   an   aeor  of  Land    Lying  on    the 
north  lid  of  the  meting  house  for  a  buering  yard     .     .     . 
5     the  meting  Disolved     .... 

[38]     Worceftr  fs 

(feal)  To  laae  Gibson  Cunstable  for  the  town  of 
fitchburg  Greting 

lin  his  mjeftes  name  you  are  Requird  to  Warn  all  the 
fre  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  qualified  by  Law  to 
Vote  in  town  afaers  to  a  Semble  and  meet  at  the  meting- 
house  on  mondy  the  first  Day  of  June  next  at  two  of  the 
Clock  in  the  after  noune  then  and  their  being  Duly  met 
and  formd  to  act  on  the  artels  folowing     .... 

1  to  Chuse  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  f'^'  meting 

2  to  See  if  the  town  Will  a  Loue  Every  freeholder  to 
be  a  Voter  in  the  Choice  of  a  minefter  or  Vote  aney  thing 
Kefering  ther  to  as  the}^  fhall  think  proper 

3  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Vote  to  Call  Some  proper 
perfon  to  Settle  in  the  Gofpel  miniftrey  in  {^  town  and 
proced  to  a  Choise 

4  to  Vote  fura  fuetible  fum  of  money  to  be  paid  fuch 
person  lb  Chofen  to  Encorage  and  Enable  him  to  fettel 
in  y*-"  miniftr}'  in  f*^  town  and  Likewise  What  fum  of  money 
they  Will  aneuely  pay  him  as  his  falery     .... 

5  artcle  was  not  acted  upon     .... 

6  to  Cufe  a  Comite  for  that  purpus  or  Vote  aney 
thing  Refering  their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrant 
to  fum  one  of  us  the  fubscribers  at  or  befor  the  Day  a 
bove  mentined  Given  under  our  hand  and  feale  this  fix- 
tenth  Day  of  may  and  in  the  feventh  vear  of  his  majestes 
Reighn  A  D  1767 

Isaa  Gibson  /  Select 
Isaiah  Witt  \  men 


Totvn  of  Fitchhirgli.  39 

Worceftr  fs    fitchburg  June  1"  1767 

In  obediants  to  the  Within  Written  Warent  1  have 
notified  and  Warnd  the  free  holders  and  other  linhabi- 
tants  to  a  pear  at  time  and  place  Within  mentned  acord- 
ing  to  the  tenor  of  the  Within  Inftrement 

^    Isaac  Gibfon  Cunstable 

At  a  Legal  meting  of  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  afsembled  June  1"  1767 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

l'>'  Voted  and  Chofe  Capt  David  Goodridge  modera- 
tor      

2'y  Voted  that  Every  freholder  be  a  votter  in  Chusing 
of  a  minestr 

3'y  Voted  and  Chofe  m*"  Samuel  Ainger  to  Settle  in 
the  Work  of  the  Gofpel  miniftry  in  this  Town     .... 

4'y  Voted  to  give  mr  Samuel  Ainger  one  Hundred 
and  thirty  three  pounds  Six  Shilings  and  Eight  pence  as 
a  Settlement  [31)]  to  Encourage  him  to  Settle  With  us  in 
the  Work  of  the  miniftry  and  for  his  Support  and  main- 
taince  fo  Long  as  he  Shall  Continue  our  minifter  provided 
he  Shall  Settle  among  us  that  is  the  one  half  to  be  paid 
in  one  year  after  his  ordination  the  other  half  in  two 
years  after  his  ordination 

S^y  Voted  to  pay  m''  Samuel  Ainger  as  his  yearly 
Salary  Sixty  pounds  untill  there  fhall  be  fixty  families  fet- 
tled in  Town  after  that  to  pay  him  annualy  fixty  fix 
pounds  thirten  fhilings  and  four  pence 

6'>'  Voted  and  Chose  Thos  Cowdin  and  m""  John  Thuf- 
ten  and  mr  John  White  a  Comite  to  waite  upon  mr  Sam- 
uel ainger  to  Suply   the  pulpet  til  he  Gives  his  answer    .    . 

The  meting  Disolvd 

Thos  Cowdin   town  Clark 

5'y  Voted  to  pa^-  m*"  Samuel  Ainger  as  his  yearh-  Sal- 
ary Sixty  pounds  untill  there  fhall  be  fixty  families  fettled 
in  Town  after  that  to  pay  him  annualy  fixty  fix  pounds 
thirten  fhilings  and  four  pence 

6'y   Voted  and  Chose  Thos  Cowdin  and  m*^  John  Thuf- 


4  (J  The  (>/(i  Records  of  tJie 

ten  rnid  tnr  John   White  a  Comite  to  vvaitc  upon  mr  Samuel 
.-linger  to  Suply  tlie  pulpet  til  he  Oives  his  answer  .     . 

Tlie  inetinjt?  Disolvd 

'Ihos  Cowdin    town  Clark 


Septembr  y^'  (>  17G7 
nir  Samuel  anger  answerd    his   Call    from  the    Town  of 
fitehljurif  on  the  Xe<^etive 


(seal)  Woreeftr  fs  To  Isaac  Gibson  Cunstable  for  the 
town  of  fitehburg  Greting 

In  his  majests  name  you  are  Rcquird  to  Warn  all  the 
freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  qualefied  by  Law  to  vote 
in  town  afaers  to  asemble  and  meet  at  the  meting  house 
on  thurfdy  the  twenty  fourth  Day  of  this  Inftant  Septr 
at  one  O  Cloek  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being 
Dulv  met  and  form  to  act  on  the  artels  following     .     .     . 

l'>    to   Chufe  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  f*^  meting 

2'>  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Give  m''  John  payson  or 
aney  other  Gentleman  a  Call  to  Setle  in  the  Gosple  minis- 
try in  this  town  and  vote  a  futable  Sum  for  his  Settcl- 
ment  and  Sallery 

or  8'-''  to  See  What  method  the  town  will  Come  into 
for  to  Supply  the  pulpet  for  the  futter  and  vote  aney  thing 
Kefering  their  to  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

41y  to  Chuse  a  Commite  to  Suplie  the  pulpet  for  the 
futer  or  fo  Longe  as  the  town  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

5'>'  to  Se  Whether  the  town  Will  Rase  aney  fum  of 
money  to  pay  for  preching  for  the  futter 

6'>'  to  Se  if  the  town  Will  Rase  ane3^  fum  of  money  to 
provide  a  School  or  Schools  and  to  Chuse  a  Commite  to 
provide  a  marster  or  marsters     .... 

[4r()]  Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  War- 
rant to  Sum  one  of  us  the  Subscribrs  at  or  befor  the 
Day  above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  and  Scale  this 
tenth  Day  of  Septr  .\  D  1767 

Thos  Cowdin  ]       Select 
Isaac  Gibson    J   meen  for 
Isaiah  Witt     J  fitchburgh 


MRS.  HANNAH   COWDIN. 


Town  of  FitclihnrgJi.  41 

Worcefter  fs   fitchhurg  Septr  23'^''  1767 

in  obedeance  to  the  Within  Written  Warrant  I  liavc 
notified  &  Warned  the  fre  holders  &  other  Inhabitants 
to  apear  at  time  &  place  within  mentond  to  act  on  the 
artels  Within  mentoned  acording  to  the  tennor  of  the 
Within  Instrument 

Isaac  Gibson    Cunstablc 

at  a  Legal  meting  ol"  the  tree  holders  and  other  inhabi- 
tants   of   the    town    of    titchburg    afembled    Septr   the   24- 

1767 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

V>    \'oted  and    Chose   Decon    amos    Kimball    moderater 

2'>'   \'oted  to  (jive  mr  John   Payson  a  Call     .... 

8'-^'  \'oted  to  give  mr  John  Payson  one  Hundreil  and 
thirty  three  poundes  Six  Shillings  and  Eight  pence  as  a 
Settlement  to  Encourage  him  to  Settle  With  us  in  the 
Work  of  the  Gospel  miniftry  and  for  his  Support  &  main- 
tainance  fo  long  as  he  Shall  Continue  our  minilter)  pro- 
vided he  Shall  Settle  among  us)  the  one  half  to  be  paid 
in  one  year  after  his  ordination  other  half  in  two  years 
after  his  ordination 

4'>'  Voted  to  ])ay  mr  John  Payson  (as  his  vearh'  Sal- 
ary) lixty  punds  until!  their  fhall  be  fixty  families  Settled 
in  Town  after  that  to  pay  him  annualy  fixty  iix  pounds 
Thirteen  fhillings  and  four  pence 

5'y  Voted  and  Chofe  mr  John  Thusten  Thos  Cowdin 
and  John  White  be  a  Commite  to  Waite  upon  mr  John 
Payson  With  the  towns  Call  to  Suply  the  puljK-t  till  he 
Shall  Give  his  answer 

6'>'     Voted  to  Dismis  the  lixtli  artel 

7'>     the  meting  Disolvd 

Thos  Cowdin    town  Clark 

Worceftr  fs  To  mr  Isaac  (libson  Cun liable  for  the 
town  of  fitchburgh     Greting 

(feal)  In  his  majests  name  you  are  Kefpiird  to  Warne 
all  y*^^  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  town  of 
fitchburg  qualified  by  Law  to  Vote  in  town  afaers  to 
afemble    and    meet   at    the    meting    house    on    mondy    the 


42  The  Old  Records  of  the 

twenty  third  Day  of  this  Inftent  Novembr  at  twelve 
()  Clock  tiicn  and  their  bcinjj^  Duely  meet  and  formd  to 
act  on  the  artels  folowin^ 

1  to  Chues  a  moderatcr  for  Govcrment  of  f''  meting 

2  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Rafe  aney  fum  of  money  to 
Defray  town  Charges  or  to  pay  ane}'^  Deets  all  Redy  Con- 
tracted by  the  town 

I  11  1  Novembr  the  23  1767 

3  to  See  Whether  method  the  town  Will  Com  into 
to  provid  a  fcoole  or  or  fcools  the  year  Infuing  or  vote 
aney  thing  Rcfering  their  too 

4  to  See  if  the  town  Will  Do  aney  thing  further 
towards  finifhing  the  meting  houfe  the  year  Infuing    .     . 

5  to  See  if  the  town  Will  abate  Jofhua  Pools  Rats  in 
the  year  1766 

Here  of  fale  not  &  make  Returne  of  this  Warrent  With 
your  Dowings  there  on  to  Sum  Wone  of  us  the  Subscribr 
at  on  or  befor  the  Day  above  mentned  Given  under  our 
hand  and  feel  this  Ninth  Day  of  Novembr  and  in  the 
Eighth  year  of  his  majests  Reighn  A  D  1767  fitchburgh 
November  the  9  1767 

Thos  Cowdin  \    Select  meen 
Isaac  Gibfon    (for  fitchburgh 

Worceftr  fs  In  obediants  to  the  Within  Written  Warrent 
I  have  Notified  and  Warned  the  free  holders  &  other  In- 
habitents  to  a  peare  at  time  and  place  Within  mentned  to 
act  on  the  artels  Within  mentned  acording  to  the  tenor  of 
the  Within  Inftrument 

Fitchburgh  November  the  23  1767 

Ifaac  Gibson  Cunftable 

att  a  Legal  meting  of  the  free  holders  and  other  In- 
habitents  of  town  of  fitchburgh  afembled  Novembr  the  23 
1767 

I'y  Cofe  Capt  David  Goodridge  moderater 
2'y  Voted  to  Rafe  thirty  pounds  to  pay  for  preaching 
3'y  Voted  to  Rafe  fifty  five  pounds  to  pav  mr  Baldwine 
and  to  pay  other  town  Charges 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  43 

4'y  Voted  to  Rase  Eight  pounds  to  provide  a  Scool  or 
Scools 

5'y  Voted  &  Chole  Capt  David  Goodridge  Decon  amos 
Kimball  and  John  thuften  be  a  Comite  to  provide  a  Scool 
or  Scools 

6'y  Voted  and  Keconfidred  the  I'cool  money  being  Laid 
out  in  two  placef  in  town 

7'y  Voted  that  three  quarters  of  the  money  be  laid  out 
in  two  places  the  other  quarter  be  Laid  out  in  two  parts 
that  is  m''  fullams  Corner  &  m""  hartwells  Corner     .     .     . 

8'y  Voted  to  Rais  thirteen  pounds  fix  I'hilings  and 
Eight  pence  to  laid  out  in  bulding  the  ftares  up  the  Gal- 
erys  and  Laing  the  Galer3'  flooers  and  buelding  the  brelt 
work  Round  the  Galerys 

[42]  9'y  Voted  not  to  abate  nV  Jofhua  pools  Rats 
in  the  year  1766 

the  meting  Disolvd 

(Seele)  Worceftr  fs  To  mr  Ifaac  Gibfon  Cunftable  for 
the  town  of  fitchburgh     Greting     .... 

In  his  majeftes  name  you  are  Requird  to  Warn  all  the 
fre  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  qualified  b^-  Law  to 
vote  in  town  afaers  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the  meting 
house  on  mondy  the  twenty  third  Da^-  of  this  Inftint 
Novembr  at  four  ()  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their 
being  Duely  afembled  to  act  on  the  artels  folowing     .     . 

1  to  Chues  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  {^  meting 

2  to  See  if  the  town  Will  make  aney  additon  to  m"" 
John  Paysons  Salery  in  Regard  to  finding  him  his  Wood 
or  vote  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as  they  fhall  think 
proper 

Here  of  faile  not   and   make   Due   Return  of  this   War- 

ent  WMth  your  Dowings  to  fum   one  of  us  at  or  befor  the 

time  above  mentned     Given   under  our  hands   and  feele  at 

fitchburgh    this    twenty   first    Day    of   Xovembr  &   in    the 

Eighth  year  of  his  majeftes  Reign  A  D  1767 

Thos  Cowdin  ]      o  i     *. 
,r        .>.,  Select  meen 

llaac  Gibson    ;  <-      c*.  i  i         i 

Ifaiah  Witt      )  ^""^  fitchburgh 


44  The  Old  Records  of  llic 

Worccftr  fs  In  oht-dirince  to  the  Within  Written  War- 
cnt  I  her  hv  Xotilie  .'ind  Warn  the  free  holders  &  other 
Inhahitents  to  a  pear  rit  time  and  plaec  Within  nienfhned 
to  aet  on  ihe  artels  Within  mentned  aeordinj^^  to  the  tenor 
of  V'   within   Inftreinent     fitehl)ur«;h    Noveraer   the  23  1767 

Ifaac  (lihson  Cunftable 

att  a  Le;^al  inetin*;  of  the  free  holders  and  other  In- 
hahitents of  the  town  of  fitehburgh  afembld  xXovembr  the 

Thos  Cowdin    town  Clark 
1'^     Voted    and    Cliofe   Cap*^   David    Goodridge    moder- 

ater 

2'>  \'ote(l  to  find  ni'  John  Payson  his  Wood  aneuely 
that  is  I'rom  year  to  year  fo  Long  as  he  fhall  Contnu  our 
mineftr  that  is  find  and  provide  thirty  Cords  of  Wood 
a  Cireabl  to  his  Request  fent  to  the  town  under  his  hand 
Dated  Novenibr  the  23  1767 
the  meting  Disolvd 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

[4:5]     Decern br  the  16  1767 

Novembr  the  30  1767 
nir  John  Payfon  Gave  his  anfwer  in  the  affermitive  and 
A.xepted  of  the  towns   Call   to  Settle  in   the   Work   of  the 
Gofpel  miniftr}'  in  this  town 

Tho^  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

(feale)  Worceftr  fs  To  mr  Isaac  Gibfon  Cunftable  for 
the  town  of  fitehburgh   Greting 

In  his  majefts  name  you  are  Requird  to  Warn  all  the 
free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  town  of  fitch- 
burgh  ([ualefid  by  law  to  Vote  in  town  afaers  to  afemble 
and  meet  at  the  meting  houfe  on  Wenfdy  the  fixtenth  Day 
of  this  Inftent  Decembr  at  one  0  Clock  in  the  after  noon 
then  and  their  being  Duely  meet  and  ibrmd  to  act  on  the 
artels  folowing 

1  to  Chufe  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  f'^  meting 

2  to  See  What  method  the  town  Will  Come  Into  in 
Regard  to  aponitng  a   Day   to  ordain   m*^  John   payfon  or 


Town  of  Fitchbjirgh.  45 

vote    ancY   thinf^    Kefcrrin<^    there    to   as    they    I'hall    think 
proper    

8  to  have  thofe  perfoiis  that  have  aney  Demands  on 
the  town  to  bring  in  their  a  Compts  in  order  tor  a  settl- 
ment 

4  to  See  if  the  town  Will  Give  back  the  Deed  of  the 
acre  of  Land  Deeded  to  the  town  for  a  Puicrintj:  yard  by 
Thos  Cowdin 

Here  off  fail  not  and  make  Keturnc  of  this  W'arrent 
With  your  Dowings  their  on  to  Sum  Won  of  us  the  Sub- 
fcribrs  at  or  Ijcfore  the  Day  a  bove  mentned  Given  under 
our  hands  and  Seal  this  Second  Day  of  Decembr  and  in 
the  Eight  year  of  his  mjefts  Reighn  A  D  1707 

fitchburgh  Deer  the  2  1767  Thos  Cowdin )     felect  meen 

Ilaac  Gibfon    j  for  fitchburgh 

Worceftr  Is    I-'itchburgh  Dec'  the  16  17(57     .... 

In   obediance   to   the   Within    Written    Warrent    I    have 

Notified  &  Warned    the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitance 

to  apear  at    time   and    place   Within    mentioned    to   act   on 

the  artikles   Within    mentioned    acording    to   the    tenor  of 

the  Within  Inftrument 

Ifaac  Giblbn    Cunftable 


[44]     at  a  Legal   meting  of  the  free  holders  and  other 

Inhabitents   of  the    town   of  fitchburg    afembled    Decembr 

the  16  1767 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

1'-^...  voted  and  Chofe  Liut  Ruben  Gibfon  moderater 

2'>' ...  voted  and  apointed  the  Wcnfdy  the  27  Day  of 
Jancuery  1768  to  ordain  m*"  John  jjayson     .... 

3'-^' ...  voted  to  Send  for  Churcii  of  Walpolc  »Sc  actown 
&  Chelse 

4'^ . . .  voted  to  Send  for  the  two  Churches  in  of  Lan- 
ceftr  and  the  Church  of  Luninburgh  cS:  the  first  Church 
of  Leominftr  and  ihc  Church  of  Weiminfter  and  the  Church 
of  Shirley 

v5''.  ..voted  that  Cap'  David  Goodridg  Dccon  amos 
Kimball    &    John     Thuften     be    a    Comite    to    notefie     the 


40  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Clujrclics   Sent    for  to  afsift   in    the  orclcnation   of  m'   John 
priyson 

(■)'>  . . .  voted  that  Decon  Kimball  &  Bphriam  /the  Decons 
Kinihall  jirovide  for  K:  Entertain  the  Counfel  \  aloud 
at  the  ordenation  of  mr  John  payfon  &  that  the  town 
pav  live  Dolers  to  Decon  Kimball  and  five  Dolers  to 
l-:i)hriam  Kimball  for  that  Serves  paid  Eph"^  Kimball  his 
five  Dolers 1   10  paid 

7'>'...  voted  to  alow  Thos  Cowdin  his  a  Count  Which 
is '-2  «2  ^6  paid 

and  also  to  alow  Ifaac  Gibfon  his  acont  Which 
is 0  16  0  paid 

9'>  ...  voted  to  and  alow  Decon  amos  Kimball  his 
acount  Which  is 2  15  0  paid 

H)'>.  ..voted  and  Gave  back  the  Deed  of  the  acre  of 
Land  Deded  to  the  town  by  Thos  Cowden  for  a  buering 
yard 

the  meting  Difolvd 

Thos  Cowdin   town  Clark 


1768    march  the  7    the  anual  meting  att  fitchburgh 
(feal)     Worceftr  fs    To   mr  Ifaac  Gibfon   Cunftable  for 

the  town  fitchburgh    Greting 

In  His  majefts  name  you  are  Requird  to  Warn  all  the 
free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  town  qualified 
by  Law  to  vote  in  town  afaers  to  afemble  and  meet  at 
the  meting  house  on  mondy  the  feventh  Day  of  march 
next  at  Nine  O  Clock  in  the  four  noon  then  and  their 
being  Duely  meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  artels  folowing 

1  to   Chuefe  a  moderater  for  Govermetit  of  {^  meting 

2  to  Chuefe  Select  meen  and  other  town  oficers    .     . 

3  to  Exept  of  Such  town  Roads  as  Shall  be  Laid 
out  by  Select  men  or  their  order 

4  to  Raefe  money  to  mend  the  high  Ways  &  vote 
aney  thing   Referring  there  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

5  to  heare  the  a  Counts  of  thofe  that  have  Dun  Serves 
for  the  town  &  to  Rafe  money  for  to  Defray  tow  Charges 

[45]  march  y^ 

6  to   fee   the  town   Will   abate  fuch   Rats   as  fhall   be 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  47 

Laid  befor  town  from  the  feveral  Cunftables  or  aney  other 
Perfons 

7  to  heare  the  a  Counts  of  the  town  trefhror  from 
the  Select  meen 

8  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Rafe  money  to  provide  the 
town  With  Waits  and  mefhors  or  aney  other  town  artels 
as  the  town  fhall  think  proper 

9  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Let  the  Swine  Run  at  Large 
year  Infuing 

10  to  See  What  method  the  town  Will  take  to  j)ro- 
vide  a  fuport  for  m"  Harts  maintanance  and  vote  aney 
thing  Refering  thir  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

Here  off  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warent 
With  your  Dowings  there  on  to  fum  one  of  us  the  Suh- 
fcribers  at  on  or  before  the  Da}'  a  bove  mentfhned  Given 
under  our  hand  and  Seal  this  nintenth  Day  of  fcbuery  and 
in  the  Eighth  year  of  his  majefts  Reighn  A  D  1768 

Tho''  Cowdinj      Select 
Ifaac  Gibfon    \  meen  for 
Ifaiah  Witt     J  fitchburgh 

Worceftr  fs   march  the  7  1768 

In  obeidance  to  the  Within  Ritten  Warent  I  have 
Notified  &  War  the  free  holderf  &  other  inhabitents  to 
apear  at  time  and  place  Within  menfhned  to  act  On  the 
artels  Within  menchned  acording  to  the  tenor  of  the 
Within  Inftrement 

Ifaac  Gibfon    Cunftablc 

att  a  Legal  meting  of  the  free  holders  and  other  In- 
habitants of  the  town  of  fitchburgh  afembled  on  march 
the  7  1768 

Tho''  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

I'y   Cofe  Decon  amos  Kimball  moderator     .... 

2'y   Chofe  Tho^  Cowdin    Decon  Kimball  &  Ifaac  Gibfon 

Select  meen 

3'y  Chofe  Tho'^  Cowdin  town  Clark     .... 

4'y   Chofe  Tho*"  Cowdin  town  trefhror 

5'y  Chofe  Tho"  Cowdin  Cunftable 


4H  'I' lie  Old  Rrconis  of  (lie 

C.i^  i:xc-i)l(.(l  i:i)cnczcr  Brid^^'  to  Serve  Cunrtable  in  f'' 
Cowdiiis   Riiiue 

['ir»|  7'>  Cliofe  Jon.-illi.-iii  Wood  <K:  Caled  Tpton  War- 
dens      Wardens 

S'^  Cliole  Ivlil'Iia  fullam  I'liinehas  Steward  Phinehas 
Hail  well  i:i)enezer  lirid^a-  James  Gray  high  Way  Colec- 
tois high   Way   Colectors 

'.)'>  Chofe  I'hinehas  Steward  EHfha  fullam  tithin 
tueen tithin  meen 

10'^  Chofe  Hi)hriani  Smith  Edward  Scott  Dear 
Keves Deer  Reves 

ll'>'  Chofe  John  Bufs  max  Jewet  tier  Wards    .    fier  Ward 

12'>  Chofe  William  Thurlo  Nehemiah  fuller  Eliphlet 
mace  hog  Keves hog  Reves 

!,'}'>  Chofe  Soloman  Steward  Survare  of  Clabords  and 
Shingels Clabords  &  Shingels 

14-'>  Chofe  Jonathan  Wood  Svaer  of  hups  & 
Staves hups  &  Staves 

15'>  Chofe  William  Tiiurlo  Seler  of  Lether  .  .  .  Seler 
of  Lether 

l(i'>'  Chofe  Ei)li'"  Kimball  Nehemiah  fuller  fence  Vew- 
ers fence  vers 

17'>'  Chole  Charls  Willard  Ifaac  (iibfon  field  Driv- 
ers       field  Drivers 

IS'-^'  Chofe  Cap'^  David  Goodridge  a  Colectf)r  to  Colect 
the  Land  tax  Gi  anted  by  the  Grat  and  Generol  Corte  on 
the  Xon  Refadent  propriotrs  Land  Lying  in  the  town  of 
fitchburg  that  is  one  half  peny  pur  acre  .  .  .  Colector 
of  the  Land  tax 

19'>'  Exepted  the  Road  Laid  out  from  mr  Thos 
I'almors  Land  if  Given  to  the  old  Road 

20    artcle  not  Exepted 

21'>'  exepted  of  the  Road  that  Leds  from  the  End  of 
the  old  Road  Runing  by  m""  Thos  Harriles  to  Kilpatricks 
Land  and  through  Kilpatricks  Land  &  through  thos  Har- 
rises Land  to  Joseph  Downes  Land  and  through  {'^  Land 
of  Jofeph  Downs  til  it  Coms  to  [47]  Land  of  m""  francis 
fullam  or  Timothy  fullams  Land  if  Given  by  the  owners 
of  the  Land     .... 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  49 

22'-^'  Exepted  of  a  Road  from  John  Bufs  hous  through 
f  Bufs  Land  to  Land  of  mr  hotten  and  m""  Goodridges 
and  mr  OHvers  if  Given  by  the  oner  of  the  Land     .     .     . 

23'>'  Exepted  of  the  Road  heginings  at  mofes  thurlos 
Line  betwen  mofes  Land  and  William  thurlows  Runing 
by  mofes  hons  &  barn  to  the  north  Ent  of  f  thurlos 
Wal  through  mofes  thurlos  paster  one  Rodd  and  an  half 
til  it  Coms  to  mr  hobys  Land  and  then  two  Rods  Wide 
til  it  Coms  to  the  old  Road  nere  James  Grays  house  and 
markt  the  trees  on  the  Wefderdly  fide  of  f  Exepted  if 
Given  by  the  oners  of  the  Land 

24'>  Exepted  of  a  Road  through  Edward  Scotts  Land 
two  Rods  Wide  from  the  old  Road  through  Comon  Land 
til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  Phinehas  Hartw  and  through  f' 
hartwells  Land  til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  Caled  Uptons  and 
through  Caled  uptons  Land  til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  Ephri- 
ham  Smiths  and  through  f  Smiths  Land  til  it  Coms  to 
the  County  Rod  and  markt  the  tres  on  the  fouth  fid  of  f 
Road  and  Exepted  by  the  town  Given  by  the  oners  of 
the  Land     

'2o^^'  Exepted  of  a  Road  two  Rods  Wide  begining  at 
fots  old  Road  By  a  fmall  Chesnot  ftand  Runing  South 
through  m*"  Eb*"  Bridges  Land  and  through  his  fathers 
Land  and  through  mr  Browns  Land  and  through  mr  Oli- 
vers Land  and  through  mr  Jofeph  Lows  Land  til  Coms 
to  Land  of  Tho^  Cowdins  then  turning  West  over  punch 
Brook  fow  Cald  then  Runing  on  mr  Olivers  Land  betwen 
P'  Cowdins  Land  and  m'  Olivers  til  it  Coms  to  the  old 
County  Road  near  the  Bridge  above  the  mil  pond  and 
Exei)ted  by  the  town  if  Given  b\'  the  oners  of  the  Land 

2()'>  X'oted  to  Elow  of  the  alteration  made  by  m' 
Kindal  Boutal  in  turing  the  Rod  near  his  hous  and  Ax- 
epted  by  the  town 

27'-^'  Voted  to  Rafc  lixty  jiounds  to  mend  y^  high 
Ways  this  prefent  year  and  to  Work  it  out  as  the  Cus- 
tom of  the  town  hath  bin  that  is  Every  fevacr  one  Day 
With  his  hands  on  the  County  Road  &  on  the  fpot  to 
aLow  /4''  pur  ouer  for  a  man  that  Works  £60 

28'>'  Voted  and  ordrd  the  furvaers  of  high  Way  for 
the  year  17()7  Work  out  the  Remain  of  their  high  Way 
3 


50  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Rats   hy    the    Lafl    of  June   1 TOS   or   Colect    and    pay    the 

inoiK-y  to  the  town  trcfhror  >:     r    .1 

I  IS  I     21)'>    \'otc(l  to  alow    tnofcs   thurlo  for    Plank  9  4 

paid 

:;(>'>  \'otcd  to  alow  Dcon  John  Thuften  for  liording 
iiir  a  Men  and   Keping  his  hors 1  10  0  paid 

:n'>  Voted  to  a  Low  Hphriham  Kimball  for  Keping 
the  Kevrant  m"-  Pay  fens  hors 0  9  8  paid 

a2'>  Voted  to  aLow^  Dcon  amos  Kimball  for  Bording 
the  Rcvrent  nir  Payfon  and  Keping  his  hors    .430  paid 

33'>'  Voted  to  alow  fanniel  Hodgkins  for  fawing  plank 
for  abridge 0  4  10  paid 

34'>'  Voted  to  abate  Samuel  Hodgkins  his  Rats  in 
Eph'"  Kimballs  List 098  paid 

also  Thos  Palmors  Rats  in  Kimballs  List    0  13  10  paid 

35'y  Voted  to  Axept  of  the  town  trefhrors  acounts 
from  the  felect  meen 

36'>'  Voted  to  Let  the  fwine  Run  at  Large  the  prefent 
3'ear 

37'-^  Voted  to  pay  m''  Witt  for  Bording  m'"'*  Hart 
Wone  Whole  year  four  Pounds  &  fow  in  proporton  by  the 
Weke  in  Cafe  fhe  fhould  not  Live  til  the  year  is  Expird 
4  00  0  paid 

The  meting  Defolvd 

the  Sevral   Town  oficers  tuk  the  oaths  Reqird  by  Law 

Thos  Cowdin  town  Clark 

fitehburgh  febuer^^  the  5  1768 
We  have  Laid  out  a  two  Road  begining  at  y^"  Weftrdly 
Line  of  Ebenezer  Bridges  Land  through  Edward  Scotts 
Land  then  through  Comon  Land  til  it  Coms  to  Phinehas 
Hartwells  Land  &  through  f*^  Hartwells  Land  til  it  Coms 
to  Land  of  Caleb  Uptons  &  through  F  Uptons  Land  til  it 
Coms  to  Land  of  Ephriam  Smith  and  through  f"^^  fmiths 
Land  til  it  Coms  to  the  County  Rode  betwen  Caleb 
Uptons  &  P^phriams  Smiths  and  markt  treefe  on  the 
foutherdly  lide  of  the  Rode  and  Exepted  by  the  town 
Given  by  the  oner  of  the  Land 

Tho'^  Cowdin  |  Select  men 
Ifaac  Gibfon    (         for 
Ifaiah  Witt     ( fitehburgh 


Tow)i  of  FitchbnrgJi.  61 

[49]  fitchburgh  febuery  y*^  9  1768 

We  have  Laid  a  two  Rode  Roade  begininge  at  the  old 
Rode  Where  it  Enters  Edward  Scotts  Land  at  a  frnall 
Chefnot  tree  Riming  Ibuth  upon  Land  of  Ebenezer  Bridges 
then  through  m""  John  Bridges  Land  of  Lexenton  then 
throu  Land  of  m''  Jofeph  Lows  then  through  mr  OHvers 
Land  of  Saloni  til  it  Corns  to  Land  of  Tho"  Cowdins  then 
turns  Weftrdly  over  punch  Brook  then  Runs  upon  f  olivers 
Land  Jo3'ning  to  f  Cowdins  Land  til  it  Corns  to  the 
County  Road  near  the  Bridge  &  markt  tres  on  the  Efterdly 
fide  of  the  Rode  and  Exepted  by  the  town  if  Given  by  the 
oner  of  the  Land 

T,-         f^-\  c      (  Select  men 
liaac  (jiblonj  ,• 

Ifaiah  Witt   1  c.-  t  t         i 
\  htchburgli 

fitchburgh  febuer}-  the  6.  1768 

We  have  Laid  out  a  two  Rod  Road  begining  at  the 
town  Line  betwen  Thos  Palmers  Land  and  the  town 
Line  through  Com  on  Land  to  the  old  Rod  Runing  North 
&  markt  trees  on  the  Efterdl}'  lide  of  f  Road     .... 

then  Begining  at  Jofiah  Colledges  frame  Runing  a 
north  point  (jn  Land  Belongin  to  f"^  Colledges  or  Elifha 
fullams  til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  francis  fullams  and  markt 
the  tres  on  the  Eftrdly  fide  of  f''  Road  and  Exepted  by 
the  town  if  Given  b}'  the  oners  of  the  Land 

alfo  a  two  Rode  Road  from  3"^^  Ende  of  the  town 
Road  by  mr  Tho''  Harrifes  through  Samuel  Kilpatricks 
Land  til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  Tho''  Harrifes  fow  through 
f*^  Harrifes  Land  til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  Jofeph  Downes 
Land  and  fow  through  f  Downes  Land  til  it  Coms  to 
Land  of  francis  fullums  or  Timoth\'  fuUoms  and  markt 
the  trees  on  y^"  foutherdiy  fide  of  f^  Rode  and  Exepted  by 
the  town  if  Given  by  the  owners  of  the  Land     .... 

alio  a  two  Rode  Road  Beginining  at  John  Bufses  hous 
through  f  Bufs  is  Land  til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  mr  Elezer 
Hottons  fow  through  f  Hottons  Land  til  it  Coms  to 
Land  of  Jofhua  (ioodridges  til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  mr 
Olivers  fow  through  mr  Olivers  Land  til  it  Coms  to  the 
town   Rode   Leding   from    Ivp''  OZburns  to  the   mctinghous 


r)2  The  Old  Records  of  the 

.-md    inarkt   tics   on   the  fouth   fide  of  f  Rode   Exepted  by 
tlic  town  il   (iivcn  In*  the  owners  of  the  Land     .... 

[,">(> I  alfo  a  two  Rode  Roade  from  mofes  thurlos  Line 
btwcn  William  Thurlos  Land  and  mofes  thurlos  by  mofes 
thurlos  house  and  barn  til  it  Corns  to  the  north  End  of 
P'  mofes  thurlos  Wall  through  f'^  mofes  pafter  one  Rod  and 
a  half  til  it  Coms  to  mr  Hobys  Land  and  then  two  Roads 
through  f  hobys  Land  til  it  Coms  to  the  old  Road  Near 
James  Grays  hous  and  markt  the  tres  on  the  Wefterdly 
lid  of  f  Rod  and   I^^xpted  b}'  the  town  if  Given  by  the  oners 

of  the   Land 

Thos  Cowdin  |      Select 
Ifaac  Gibfon     \  meen  for 
Ifaiah  Witt      J  fitchburgh 

may  the  23  1768 

(fele)  Worceftr  fs  To  m''  Ebenezer  Bridge  Cunftable 
for  the  town  of  fitchburgh   Greting 

In  his  majefts  name  you  are  Requird  to  Warn  all  the 
fre  holders  &  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  fitchburgh 
qualified  by  Law  to  Vote  in  town  afaers  to  afemble  and 
meet  at  the  metinghous  house  on  mond}'  the  twenty 
third  Da\^  of  this  inftant  may  at  two  O  Clock  in  the  after 
noon  then  &  their  being  Dueh'  met  and  fomd  to  act  on 
the  artels  folowing 

1     to  Chuefe  a  moderater  for  Goverment   of  f'^  meting 

2'^  to  See  What  method  the  town  Will  take  to  anfuer 
the  Gineral  Coarts  Requeft  in  Joyning  With  the  town  of 
Lanceftor  to  have  one  Supearer  Coart  &  two  Coarts  of 
the  quarter  Sesons  held  their  and  Vote  ane}'^  thing  Refering 
their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

3'>'  to  fee  Whether  the  town  Will  build  the  bridge  new 
over  the  River  near  frenches  or  Vote  ane\'  thing  Refering 
their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

41y  by  a  Request  from  the  pue  Commite^^  — that  is  to 
fee  if  the  town  Will  Confider  Edward  Scott  upon  acount  of 
a  pue  he  Claims  in  the  metinghouse  or  defend  the  Com- 
mity  from  aney  Deficalty  that  may  arife  or  do  aney  thing 
Refering  their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     ... 

here  off  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrent  to 
lum   won  of  us  With  your  dowings   their  on  at  or  before 


Toivn  of  Fitchbiirgh.  53 

the  time  above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  and  feal 
this  ninth  day  of  may  and  in  the  Eighth  year  of  his 
majests  Reighn  A  I)  1768 

Thos  Cowdin    f     o  i     i. 
\^       T"     u   11  I     oelect  meen 
Amos  Kimball  (  r      c^  w         u 
T  i^u  I  lor  ntchburgh 

Isaac  (jibson     \  ^ 

[51]  In  obediance  to  the  Within  Warrant  I  have 
Warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  fitchburgh  that  are  qualified  by  Law  to  \'ote  in 
town  afaers  to  afemble  and  meet  at  the  time  and  ])lace  to 
act  on  the  above  mentned  artels  in  this  warrent 

fitchburgh  may  the  2,'^  1768 

Ebenez''  Bridge  Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meting  of  the  free  holdars  and  other  inhabi- 
tants of  y""  town  of  fitchburgh   asembld  mav  the  23  1768 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

1'-^'   Chofe  Dcon  Kimball  moderator 

2'>'  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  John  Wliite  &  Decon  John 
Thuften  l)e  a  Comite  to  anfwer  the  Gincral  Coarts  Request 
in  a  Count  of  their  Request  for  having  one  Superior  Coart 
and  two  Coarts  of  Coman  pleas  held  at  Lanceftr 

3'>'  Voted  to  builde  the  bridge  over  the  River  by 
frenches  by  the  towns  Genirofite 

4'>'  Voted  and  agreed  upon  by  the  two  partes  on 
acount  of  the  pue  in  Contest  ond  by  Phinehas  Steward 
Which  pue  Edward  Scott  Claims  is  Given  up  by  f  ftew- 
ard  to  f  Scott  upon  Condition  that  f'  Scott  pays  thirty 
Shilings  and  pays  also  What  raoncN-  the  towns  Comite 
Dignefied  the  pue  Grownd  at  to  faid  fteward  &  further 
more  both  party s  that  is  f'  Edward  Scott  and  f  phine- 
has Steward  I-^ach  of  them  agrcd  and  actualy  fined  the 
towns  Vote  both  of  them  never  to  make  ancy  un  Eafinefs 
further  about  f  \n\c  if  the  money  be  paid  by  f''  fcott  in 
one  Weke  from  this  Da\'  being  the  23  Day  of  may  17()8 

Edward  Scott 
phinehas  Steward 

a  true  Cope  of  the  towns  \'ote 

the  meting  Disolvd 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clark 


54  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Septembr  y^'  V.)  1768 

Woixc'llr  Is 

(leal)  To  nir  Ivhcnczcr  Hrid^^c  Cunftable  for  the  town 
of  fitclil)iir;^di   (ireting 

Ill  liis  majcfts  name  you  arc  Re(|uird  to  Warn  all  the 
Irce  holders  &  other  inhabitents  of  the  town  of  fitehburgh 
(|iialified  by  law  to  Vote  in  town  afaers  to  afemble  & 
meet  at  the  meting  houfe  on  mondy  y'^  nintenth  Da}^  of 
Sependjr  next  at  two  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  & 
their  being  Duely  met  and  formd  to  act  on  the  artcels 
folowing 

I'y  to   Chufe  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  f   meting 

[^'-J]  2'y  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Rafe  money  to  pay 
the  Reverent  m""  payfon  the  one  half  of  his  Setelment 
acording  to  the  towns  vote     .... 

3'>'  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Rafe  mone^^  to  pay  Revrent 
m''  payfons  falery  from  his  ordenation  for  one  year     .     .     . 

4'y  to  fee  if  the  town  Will  Rafe  money  to  fuport  a 
Scool  or  Scools  or  vote  ane\''  thing  Refering  their  to  as 
they  fhall  think  proper 

5'J'  to  fee  if  the  town  W'ill  Rafe  money  to  pay  for 
buckling  the  pulpet  or  vote  aney  thing  Refering  their  to  as 
the}'  fhall  think  proper     .... 

6'y  to  See  if  the  town  Will  Search  into  the  Setelment 
of  the  Eftate  of  Samuel  hart  Defest  and  to  fee  if  the  Widos 
thirds  are  not  alowd  to  her  by  the  Judge  or  bonds  taken 
for  the  incomb  of  hir  thirds 

7'-^  to  fee  if  the  town  W^ill  alow  thofe  perfons  W^'ho 
have  or  fhall  Work  out  moer  then  their  high  Way  Rats 
this  prefent  year  in  the  next  years  high   Wa^-  Rats     .     .     . 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warent 
With  3'our  Dowings  their  on  to  fume  Wone  of  us  the  fub- 
feribrs  at  on  or  befor  the  Day  above  mentned  Given 
under  our  hand  &  Seal  this  29  Day  of  auguft  &  in  the 
Eighth  year  of  his  majefts  Reign  A  D  1768 

Thos  Cowdin    \  Select  meen 
Amos  Kimball  \         for 
Ifaac  Gibfon      J   fitehburgh 

In  obedance  to  the  Within  Warent  I  have  Warnd  all 
the  free  holders  &  other  inhabitents   qualified  by   Law  to 


Towti  of  Fitchburgh.  56 

vote  in  town   afaers   to   afemble  and   meet   at   the  time  & 
place  Within  mentned 

fitchburgh  Septembr  y'^  19  1768 

Ebenezer  Bridije   Cunftable 


at  a  Legal  meting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  inhabi- 
tents  of  the  town  of  fitchburgh  afembled  on  Septcmljr  the 
19  1768 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

1'-^'  Chofe  Decon  Amof  Kimball  moderater    .... 

2'->'  Votd  to  Rafe  fixty  fix  pounds  thirten  1  hilings  & 
four  pence  to  pay  mr  John  pafon  the  one  half  of  his  Set- 
elment  acording  to  the  vote  of  the  town  fot  forth  in  his 
Call '-66  13  4 

[53]  3'-^'  voted  to  Rais  fixty  pounds  to  pay  the  Rev- 
erent mr  John  pa3'fon  his  faler3''  for  the  firft  years  fal- 
ery '-'60  00  0 

4'^'  voted  to  Rais  Eight  pounds  to  provid  fcooling  for 
the  year  in  fuing  and  to  La}-  out  three  quarters  in  two 
places  the  other  quarter  to  be  Laid  out  in  mr  Elifha  ful- 
lams  Corner  and  mr  phinehas  Hartwells  Corner    .    8  00  0 

5'>  voted  that  mofes  Thurlo  Kindal  Boutwal  &  Nehe- 
miah  fuller  be  a  Comite  to  provid  a  fcool  mafter  and  a 
jjlace  or  places  Convenent  to  Keep  f*^'  fchool     .... 

6'>'  voted  to  Rafe  twenty  three  pounds  fix  fhilings 
and  Light  penc  to  pay  for  Budding  the  pulpt  in  the  met- 
ing house 23  6  8 

7'-^  voted  to  farcli  in  to  fetelment  of  the  Eftate  of 
Samuel  Harte  Eftate  Defest  and  that  Thos  Cowdin  or 
Decon  Kimball  be  apointed  to  larch  into  the  Setclment  of 
f"^  Eftate  to  fee  if  the  Widos  thirds  are  not  fecurd  to  her 
or  bonds  taken  for  the  inconb  of  f  thirds  for  maiiitnin- 
anc  of  f''  Wido 

S'y  voted  to  alowe  the  high  Way  fevaers  to  Work  out 
What  they  think  nefeserv  over  and  above  the  taxes  this 
prefent  year  and  that  they  fhall  be  alowd  the  next  year 
out  of  their  high  Way  Rats     .... 

the  meting  Difolvd 

Thos  Cowdin    town  Clark 


56  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Worstcr:   fs    .     .     .     .    September  y^"  19^^  1768    .     .     . 

To  111'  :  Ivbenezer  liiidge  Cunstable  for  the  town  of 
I'itelibiuT^li  Greeting:  In  his  majeftyes  Name  you  are  Re- 
(|uiie(l  to  Warn  all  the  TVce-Holders  and  others:  Inhabi- 
taiR-e  of  the  Town  of  Fitehburgh  (Jualefide  By  Law  to 
\'()tc  ill  Town  Afares  to  Afemble  and  meet  at  the  meting 
house  on  nionday  the  Nineteenth  of  this  Instant  September 
at  four  oCloek  in  the  after  Noon  then  and  there  Being 
Duly  met  and  I-'ormid  to  Aet  on  the  Articels  Foloing: 

first  to  Chuse  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  Said 
meting:  vSecondly  To  See  If  the  Town  Will  Chuse  a  Com. 
mitty  According  to  the  Request  of  the  Select  men  of  Bos- 
ton Sent  to  this  town  to  Desire  Said  town  to  Call  a  town 
meting  To  Consider  the  Present  Critecle  Situation  of  the 
Govements  afaiers  or  Vote  Any  thing  Refering  their  to :  as 
they  Shall  Think  Proper: 

Hereof  Fail   Not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrent  at 

on  or  before  the  Time  above  Said  Given  under  our  hands 

and  Seal  this    Nineteenth    Da}'    of    September  and  in  the 

Eighth  year  of  his  majestyes  Reign  A  D:  1768     .... 

T^u  /^       J-     1  Select  men 

Thomas  Cowdm  I         r 

Amos  Kimball      jpitchburgh 

Worster:  fs :  In  obedance  to  \'Our  Warrent  I  have 
Warned  all  the  freeholders  and  others  Inhabitance  to  met 
at  the  meting  house  afore  menchoned 

Fitchburgh  September    y*^  19*^:  1768 

Ebenez''  Bridges   Cunstable 

[54]     at  a  Legal  meting  of  the  free  holders  and  other 

inhabitents    inhabitents   of   the  town   of   fitchburgh   afem- 

bled  on  Septr  the  19  1768    t,,     ,  ^       a-      ^  r-i     i 

Iho"^  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

1'-^    Chofe  Cap^  David  Goodridge  moderater    .     .     . 

2'>'  vted  and  Chofe  the  honarable  Edward  Hartwell 
Esq''  to  be  agent  for  the  town  of  fitchburg  to  Joyn  the 
Comite  of  the  town  of  Boftou  acording  to  their  Request 
fent  by  the  Gentelmen  felect  meen  of  bofton  lent  to  the 
town  of  fitchburgh 

then  the  meting  Difolvd 

Thos  Cowdin  town  Clark 


Toivn  of  Fitchbnrgh.  67 

march  y^'  G  1769 

(feal)     Worceftr  is 

To  nir  Ebenezer  Hridf^^e  Cunftablc  for  the  town  of 
fitch  burg    Greting 

In  his  mgeftes  name  you  arc  Rccjuird  to  warn  all  the 
free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  town  ofitch- 
burgh  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  afaers  to  afenible  &  meet 
at  the  metinghoufe  on  mondy  the  iixth  Day  of  march 
next  at  Nine  ()  Clock  in  the  foure  noon  then  &  their 
])eing  Duel_v  meet  ik.  formd  to  Jict  on  the  articles  folowing 

1'-^'    to  Chuefe  a  moderater  for  Govermcnt  of  f  meting 

2'-^'  to  Chuse  Select  meen  t*<:  other  town  oficers  for  the 
year  Ifuing 

3'y  to  lee  if  the  town  will  alow  m'  I'hinehas  Steward 
Cunftablc  four  pounds  Lawfull  money  which  f''  fteward 
fayth  was  not  alowd  him  when  he  Kecond  with  the  town 
trefhror  b\-  a  Refept  which  f  Steward  found  after  their 
fetlment     .... 

4'y  to   make  provifon  for  the   maintaince  of  m""^  Hart 

5'>'  to  Rafe  money  to  Repare  bridges  &  mend  the  high 
ways  or  vote  aney  thing  Refering  ther  to  as  they  fhall 
think  proper 

(5'-"^"  to  Exept  of  fuch  higli  ways  as  fhall  be  Laid  out 
by  the  Select  meen  or  their  order         .     . 

7'^  to  Exept  of  fuch  acounts  as  I  hall  ajjcar  to  be  Due 
from  the  town 

8'y  to  fee  if  the  town  wont  bueld  a  pownd     .     .     . 

9'-^  to  fee  if  town  will  .alow  the  fwine  to  Run  at  Large 
the  year  Inluing 

10'>'  to  fee  if  the  town  will  abate  Timothy  parkcrs 
Rats  in  phinchas  Stewards  Rates 

11'^'  to  fee  if  the  town  will  Difcontinue  a  Roade  Laid 
out  from  m'  Witts  through  moles  Tluirlos  Land  6c  James 
Grays  Land  to  the  old  Roade  Leding  to  Lunenburg  also 
to  fee  if  the  town  will  Difcontinue  the  Rode  from  mr  Witts 
to  mofes  iv:  william  thurlos 

[i><>]  Here  off  fale  not  &  make  Return  of  this  war- 
rent  with  your  Dowings  there  on  to  Sum  one  of  us  the 
Subscribers  at  or  before  the  Day  above  mentncd  (liven 
under   our    hands   6c    Seals    this    feventcenth    Dav    of    this 


58  Tlic  Old  Records  of  the 

Itiftcnt  febucrv  <*v  in  the  Ninth  year  of  his  mgefts  Reighn 
A  I)  1709 


Thos  Cowdin 

Amos  Kimball  ,  r  r-,   ,,         , 

xr        f^-\..c  I  Jor  ntchbureh 

Ifaac  Giblon      j  *= 


A  T^-     u   11  I    Select  meen 

Amos  Kimball  ■ 


fitchbtirgh  march  the  6  1769 
in  ()l)edance  to  the  within  warent  I  have  warnd  all 
the  free  holders  &  other  inhabitents  of  the  town  of  fitch- 
burgh  (jualiilcd  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  afaers  to  afemble 
and  meete  at  the  mtnghouse  on  the  fixth  Day  of  march  to 
act  on  the  artels  of  the  within  writen  Warent 

pr     Ebenezer  Bridge  Cunftable 
at  a  Legal   meting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tents of  the  town  of  fitchburgh   afembled  on  march  the  6 

1769 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clark 

l'>     Chofe  Decon  John  Thuften  moderater    .... 
2'y    Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  &  Ifaac  Gibfon  &  Decon  John 

Thuften Select  meen 

8'>'    Chofe  Thos  Cowdin town  Clark 

4'-^'     Chofe  Thos  Cowdin town  trefhror 

5'>'    Chofe  Jonathan  Wood Cunftable 

6'>'  Chofe  James  Litch  &  James  Gray  .  .  .  wardens 
Ty  Chofe  William  Thiirlo  &  Eph'"'  OZburn  &  x\ehe- 
miah  fuller  francis  fullam  &  phiniheas  Hartwell  &  Thos 
Cowdin  and  that  Each  Survaer  work  one  Day  on  the 
County  Road  With  ther  Refpective  Deftricts  Wheir  it  fhall 
apcar  moft  nedfull  and  the  furveyer  be  Colectors  .  Survoir 
of  high  Ways 

S'>'    Chofe  Jefse  french  &  Jofeph  Downe   .   tiethen  meen 
9'>     Chofe  Ephraim  Smith  &  Nichlos  Danforth   .    .   Dere 
Reves 

lO'y    Chofe  phinehas    Hartwell   &   Ebenezer    Bridge  & 

Kindal  Boutall fier  Wards 

11'-^-   Chofe  Ichabod  Smith  &  William  Steward  &  Sam- 
uel Peirce  &  mordaci  moors hog  Reves 

12'>'   Chofe  Soloman   Steward  furvoyr  of    .     .     Survoyr 
of  Clabords  &  Shingls 

13'>'  Chofe  Jonathan  Wood    .     .    culer  of  ftaves  &  hups 


Toiun  of  FitcJiburgJi.  59 

14'y  Chofe  William  Thurlo Lether  Seler 

15'>'  Chofe  Decon  Thuften  &  CapL  Goodridge  .  tier  wards 
[50]  16'y  Chofe  John  White  &  John  Bufs  .  field  Drivers 
17''''   Chofe  Capt  Goodridge  Colector  of  the  nonrefedants 

proprietar  Land  tax Colector  of  Land  tax 

18'y  Vted  to  Uifmis  phinehas  Steward  Requeft  .  .  . 
19'^    Voted  to  alow  mr  witt  five  pownds  fix  fhilings  & 

Eight  pene  to  Bord  mrs  Hart  one  3'ear  antl  fame  proporton 

by   the   weke   in   cafe   fhe   fhoiild    not    Live   til    the   year  is 

Expred 5  .  6S  pd 

2()'>'    \'oted    to    Rafc   fixty    pownds    to    Repair    Bridges 

and  mend  high  Ways 60  00  0 

21'-^'   Voted  that  the   High    Way  tax   be  workd   out   by 

the  frft  I)a3'  of  Novembr  next 

22'y   voted   to   Exept   Such   Rodes   as   ar  Given   b}'   the 

owner  of  the  Land 

23'-''   Voted  to  Exept  of  a  2  Roade  Rode  through  Caleb 

Uptons  Land  from   phinehas   Hart  wells    Land   by  f  upons 

houfe  to  the  Counts'  Road  and  Excpted  if  Given 

24'>'   aloud  nT"  Witt  his  acount 00  14  9  pd 

25'y  aloud  Thos  Cowdins  acount  .  .  .  .  00  15  7  pd 
26'y  aloud  Ifaac  Gibfons  acount  .  .  .  .  00  15  4  pd 
27'y  aloud  Decon  amos  Kimball  acount  .  .  .  00  5  4 
28'>'  alowd  Nehemiah  fuller  acount  .  .  .  00  5  0  paid 
29'^'   voted  to  buelde  a  pownd  with   Logs  and  that  the 

Select  meen  be  a  comite 

30'-^'   voted  that  Ii)very  pcrfon  in  town  com  &  work  at 

f''  pownd  or  pay  his  projjorton  in  money 

31'>'   voted    that   the    Swine    Run   at    Large   being   well 

yockt  and  Ringd 

32'-^'   voted  to  abate  Timothy  ])arkers  Rats  in  phinehas 

Stewards  Lift 00  10  0  paid 

33'y     voted    to    Difcoiitinuc   the    Roade    through    moles 

thurlos   and  James   Grays    Land    Leding  to  the  old    Roade 

Which   Leds  to  Lunenburgh     .... 

[i>7]     34'^     voted    to    Difcoulimu'    the     Roade     l)etwcn 

William  Thurlo  and  moles  Thurlos   Lands   Leding  from  mr 

Witts 

also  a  two  Roade  Rode  Given  by  mofcs  thurlo  through 

his  ])aftcr  by  his  Barn  near  the  ftone    wall    now    bult   Led- 


no  The  Old  Records  of  the 

iii«7  to  Land  of  Willi.ini  Stewards  —  and  also  a  two  Roade 

Rode  (liven   l)y    William   Steward   through   his   Land   near 

liis   lionfe   and    fow   through  P'  Stewards   Land   til  it  corns 

to  the  old  County  Koade  nere  James  Grays  house 

the  levral  Town  oficrs  tuck   the  oaths  Requrd  by  Law 

The  meting  Difolvd 

Thos  Cowdin   town  Clark 

fitchburgh  febuery  the  28  1769 
Laid  out  a  two  Roade  Rode  begining  at  the  Nor- 
wci'terdly  Corner  of  Cornet  Thos  Carters  Land  Runing 
one  Rode  wide  on  Land  of  f^  Carters  and  the  other  Rode 
or  halfe  of  P'  Road  on  Land  belongin  to  m""  Levi  Whit- 
comb  til  it  Corns  to  Bengiman  Bale3's  Corner  then  one 
halfe  on  P'  Baleys  Land  til  it  Corns  to  the  Laine  that  Leds 
to  Cornet  Carters  houfe  then  on  James  Litches  Land  about 
85  Rodes  then  turns  on  Land  belongin  to  David  or  Ezra 
uptons  til  it  Coms  to  the  County  Rode  near  James  Litches 
houfe  and  markt  markt  the  trees  on  the  fouth  fide  of  faid 
Roade  with  two  notches  mening  two  two  Rods  wide  &c 
faid  Roade  Laid  out  for  Ruben  Smith  to  com  at  his  Land 
and   the  town  is  not  to  be  at  aney   Coft  or   Charge  til  i^ 

Smith  Lives  on  his  Land 

also  a  two  Road  Rode  begining  at  the  County-  Rode 
and  Runs  a  wefterdh^  pinte  one  Rode  on  mr  Caleb  uptons 
Land  and  one  Rode  on  David  or  EZra  Uptons  Land  til  it 
Coms  to  the  Land  of  Ezekel  foulers  &  Runs  through  f^ 
foulers  Land  til  it  coms  to  mr  Levi  Whitcombs  Land  and 
markt  the  trees  on  the  South  Side  of  f'^  Rode  with  tow 
notches  mening  two  Rods  Wide  &  one  Rod  wide  Given  by 
m""  Caled  Upton 

Thos  Cowdin    (    o  i     j. 
\  T^-     1    11  I     Select  mcen 

Amos  Kimball  <  r      x:*.  ut         u 
T,-         r^-i  r  I  lor  ntchburgh 

liaac  Giblon      [  *= 

Also  a  two  Rode  Roade  begining  at  or  near  Jonathan 
Woods  house  Runing  Eft  to  the  Wido  marcy  holts  fene  or 
the  Corner  of  her  fence  anthen  a  ftrait  Line  to  Lunenburg 
Line  and  markt  the  trees  on  the  fouth  fide  of  f^  Rode 

Thos  Cowdin     f     o  i     x 
Amos  Kimball      c^^^f^^^^""^ 
Ifaac  Gibfon       [  ^^^  fitchburgh 


Town  of  FitcJibnrgh.  61 

[58]  octobr  y^  25  1769 

(Seal)  To  mr  Jonathan  Wood  Cunftable  for  the  town 
of  fitchburgh  Greting 

In  His  magestes  name  you  are  Kecjuird  to  warn  all  the 
free  holders  &  other  inhabitents  qualified  by  Law  to  \'ote 
in  town  afaers  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the  metinghouse  on 
wenfd}'  the  wenty  fifth  Day  of  this  inftent  octobr  at  one 
o  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  &  their  being  Duely  met 
and  formd  to  to  act  on  the  artcles  folowing     .     .     . 

I'y  to  Chufe  a  moderater  for  Governient  of  f  metting 

2'y  to  Kafe  money  to  pay  m*"  John  paysons  Setelment 
and  also  his  Salery  for  the  prefent  3'ear    .... 

3'-^'  to  Rafe  money  to  provide  a  Scool  or  Scooles  or 
Vote  aney  thing  thing  Referring  there  to  as  the  town  Shall 
think  proper 

4'y  to  Rafe  money  to  Defray  town  Charges  or  Vote 
aney  thing  their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

5'-^  ly  for  thofe  that  have  Dun  Serves  for  the  town  to 
bring  in  their  acounts 

Here  of  fale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrcnt 
with  your  Dowings  there  on  to  Sume  one  of  us  at  or 
before  the  time  above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  tS: 
Seal  this  fifth  Day  of  octobr  and  in  the  inth  \'ear  of  his 
majests  Reign  A  D  1  769 

Thos  Cowdin  |       Select 
Ifaac  (libfon         meen  for 
John  Thuftcn  J  fitcliburgh 

Worceftr  Is  fitchburgh  octobr  yc  25  1769 
In  obedeance  to  the  within  writen  warrant  1  have 
warned  the  frea  holders  &  other  in  habitents  ([ualified  by 
Law  to  Vote  in  town  aflaers  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the 
time  and  place  within  nicntncd  to  act  on  the  artels  within 
mentned 

Jonathan  Wood    Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meting  of  the  free  holders  and  other  inhabi- 
tents of  the  town  of  fitchburgh  afemliled  on  the  25  Day 
of  octobr  1769 

Thos  Cowdin  town  Clark 


02  Tlic  Old  Records  of  tJic 

I'y   Chofc  Lint   Ruben  Gibfson  moderatcr     .... 

2'>'  Voted  to  Rafe  one  hunrlrd  &  thirty  three  pounds 
lix  Ihilings  and  Ivi«^ht  ])ene  to  pay  mr  John  payfons  yearly 
lalerv  and  the  Remainder  of  his  Setelment     .     .     '^l.S.'i  6  8 

[51)]    'V>'  Raifd  Eight  pounds  to  provide  a  Scool  .  *^8  0  0 

4<'-^'  and  Deeon  John  Thuften  James  Gray  &  Soloman 
Steward  be  a  Comite  to  provide  a  Seool  maftcr     .     .     . 

[)'>■  Voted  that  three  quarters  of  the  money  Laid  out 
in  two  parts  of  the  town  the  other  quarter  be  Laid  out 
in  m'  phinehas  hartwells  Corner  &  in  mr  EHfha  fuUams 
Corner 

(i'>  Voted  to  Rafe  teen  pounds  to  Defray  town 
Charges 10  0  0 

7'^'    Voted  to  aloue  Thos  Cowdins  acount   .    1  11  0  pd 

8'>'     Voted  to  aloue  Ifaac  Gibfons  acount  .     .    00  5  4  pd 

9'-^    Voted  to  aloue  John  Thuftens  acount   .     00  4  0  pd 

The  meting  Difolvd 

Thos  Cowdin   town  Clark 

To  all  people  To  Whome  thefe  prefents  shall  com  Gret- 
ing  Know  ye  that  I  Amos  Kimball  of  fitchburgh  in  the 
County  of  Worceftr  and  provance  of  the  mafachufets  bay 
in  New  England  Gent"  for  &  in  Confideration  of  the  Re- 
fpect  I  have  for  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burgh I  here  by  Give  Grant  Convay  and  Confairm  unto 
the  inhabitants  of  f^  town  &  to  their  heirs  for  Ever  one 
acre  of  Land  Lving  and  being  in  fitchburgh  afore  faid 
begining  at  a  pillar  of  ftones  Near  my  potash  and  Runs 
Southerdly  Eight  Rods  then  maks  an  angle  and  Runs 
twenty  Rods  Efterdly  then  mak  an  angle  and  Runs  Eight 
Rods  notherdly  then  mak  an  angle  and  Runs  twenty' 
Rods  Welterdly  to  the  bounds  firft  mentned  for  the  ufe 
and  priveledge  of  a  buering  yard  and  that  only 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  faid  Granted  &  Given  premifes 
with  all  the  privilege  and  benefit  of  a  bueriang  yard  and 
a  Commodations  to  the  same  belongin  or  in  aney  wife 
apertaning  to  them  and  their  heirs  for  Ever  and  I  the 
faid  amos  Kimball  for  my  felf  heirs  Executors  and  admin- 
ftrators  Do  Covenant  promis  and  Grant  to  and  with  the 


Toivn  of  FitclihnrgJi.  63 

inhabitants    of   the    town    of   fitchburgh    that    before    the 

Enseling  here  of  I  am  the  true  and  sole  oner  of  the  alcove 

Granted   premifes    and   have    Good    Right  full    power  and 

Lawfull   athorcty   to  Grant   Convay   and    to  Confairm  the 

faid  premifes  in  maner  as  aforefaid    further  I  the  aid  amos 

Kimball  for  ni}-  felf  heirs  Executers  and  adminiftrators  Do 

covenant   and    Engage  the  above   Demifed   premifes  to  the 

inhabitents    of    f    town    and    heirs     against    the    Lawfull 

Claims  or  Demands  of  aney  perfon  or  perfons   whatsoever 

for   Ever   hereafter  to  warrant  fecure  and    Defend    by  these 

prefents     In  witnes   here  unto  I  have  fot   to  m^-  hand  and 

Seal    this   twenty   third   Day  of  Decembr  A  D  1769  and  in 

the  tenth  year  of  his  mjefts  Reign  in  prefents  of 

*Amos  Kimball    [Seal.] 
David  Goodridge 

Thos  Cowdin 

[(>()]  Janeuery  y<^  11  Day  1770 

(fele)  Worceftr  fs  To  m""  Jonathan  Wood  Cunftal)le 
for  the  town  of  fitchburgh   Greting 

In  liis  majeftis  name  you  are  herby  Recpiird  to  Warn 
all  the  fee  holders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  town  of 
fitchburgh  cpialfied  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  afaers  to 
afemble  &  meet  at  the  meting  house  on  thurfdy  the 
Eleventh  Day  of  this  Inftent  Janeuery  at  ten  ()  Clock  in 
the  fore  noone  then  and  their  being  Duely  meet  &  formd 
to  act  on  the  artels  folowing 

1'-^    to  Chuse  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  f  meting 

2'-^'  to  see  what  method  the  town  will  Come  Into  to 
buield  &  Repair  the  bridges  in  f  town  Caried  otV  by  the 
Late  flud  or  vote  aney  thing  Refcring  their  too  as  they 
I  hall  think  proper 

3'-^'  to  fee  whether  the  town  wont  omitt  having  aney 
Scoole  this  Winter  tH:  Refcrve  their  Scoolc  nionev  til  next 
fall 

4'-^'  to  fee  if  the  town  will  omit  the  tine  which  Eliphlet 
mace  Gave  the  town  a  note  for  or  aney  part  of  the  fine  &c 


*  These   arc   actual   si<j;natiircs,    atid    the   seal    is   affixed    to   tlie   pa^c. 
[W.  A.  I). 


r,  1  The   Old  Records  of  the 

Ik  re  oil"  Inilc  not  &  make  Kcturn  of  this  Warrent  to 
liiiiK.-  oiR-  of  MS  at  or  before  the  time  above  mentned  (iiven 
inuliT  our  hands  &  feale  this  Eighth  Day  of  Jancuery  & 
in  the  tc-iith  year  of  his  inajeftys  Reign  A  I)   1770 

Thos  Cowdin  [    Affefsors 
Ifaac  Gibfon    |         for 
John  Thufton  (  fitchburgh 

Woreeftr  fs  In  obediants  to  the  within  writen  I  have 
warned  all  the  free  holders  &  other  inhabtants  to  meet  & 
afemble  at  time  &  plaee  within  mentned 

Jonathan  Wood    Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meting  of  the  inhabitents  of  the  town  of 
fitehburgh  afembled  on  Janeuery   the  Eleventh  1770 

Thos  Cowdin  town  Clark 

l'>'   Chofe  Cap^  David  Ooodridge  moderater     .     .     . 

2'>    Voted  to  build  the  bridge  in  the  old  fpot     .     .     . 

3'-^'  Voted  to  Rafe  thirty  pounds  to  Build  &  Repair  the 
bridges  in  fi  town 30  00  00 

4'>'   Voted    to   Work    the   money   out   in    the  ufel   maner 

.")''  Chofe  foloman  fteward  &  phinehas  Steward  &  John 
putman  Ije  a  eommitte  to  buield  the  bridge 

0'>'  Voted  not  to  have  aney  feoole  this  winter  but 
Refer ve  their  money  til  next  fall     .... 

7'-''  Voted  to  abate  twenty  Eight  fhilings  out  of  forty 
I  hilings  whieh  was  the  fine  Due  to  the  town  from  Eliphlet 
mace  for  Giveing  in  a  false  Invoice  to  the  aflefsors 
and  their  Remains  Due  to  the  town  twelve  fhilings 
only 00  12  00  paid 

The  meting  Difolved 

Thos  Cowdin    town  Clark 

[<»1]  1770   March  5*!^ 

(Seal)  Worcester  fs  To  Mv  Jonathan  Wood  Consta- 
ble for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh    Greeting 

In  His  Majistys  Name  you  are  Required  to  Warn  all 
the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  Quali- 
fyed  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town  AflFairs  to  Afsemble  and 
Meet  at  the   Meeting  Houfe  On    Mondav   the  fifth   dav  of 


Town  of  Fitchbtcrgh.  65 

March  Next  at  Nine  o'Clock  in  the  forenoon  then  their 
being  duh'  meet  and  formed  to  Act  on  the  following  Arti- 
cles  Viz*^ 

1.  To  Choose  a  Moderator  for  Government  of  said 
Meeting 

2  To  Choose  Select  Men  and  other  Town  Officers    .    . 

3  To  Except  of  such  Town  Roads  as  fhall  be  Laid 
out  b\'  the  Select  Men  or  their  Order    .... 

4  To  Raise  Money  to  Mend  the  high  Ways  and  Vote 
any  thing  Refering  thereto  as  the^'  shall  think  Proper    .     . 

5  To  hear  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treafurer  from 
the  Select  Men 

6  To  fee  if  the  Town  will  Raife  Money  to  Provide  the 
Town  with  Weights  and  Meafures  or  any  other  Town 
Articles  as  the  Town  shall  think  Proper     .... 

7  To  See  if  the  Town  will  lett  the  Swine  Run  at 
Large  the  Year  Enfuing 


8  To  See  what  Method  the  Town  will  take  to  Provide 
a  Support  for  W\^  Hart's  Maintenance  and  Vote  any  thing 
thereto  as  they  shall  think  proper     .... 

9  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Relieve  the  Widow  Mar}' 
Upton  for  Distrefses  Occafioned  by  Frowns  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence and  Abate  Her  Husbands  Rates.  Rates  on  Ifaac 
Gibfon  &  Bridges  List     .... 

Hereof  fail  not:  and  Make  Return  of  this  Warrant 
with  your  doings  thereon  to  fum  One  of  us  the  Subfcribcrs 
At  on  on  or  before  the  Day  above  Mentioned.  Given 
Under  Our  hand  and  feal  this  fourtenth  day  of  February 
and  in  the  Tenth   Year  of  His   Majistys   Reign   A  D   1770 

10  N  B  see  what  Method  the  Town  will  take  in  Re- 
building the  Bridge  Near  Capt.  Goodriges  Occafion*?  by  a 
floods  Carrying  of  the  said  Bridge  a  Vote  any  thing 
referring  thereto,  as  the  Town  fhall  think  Proper 

Tho''  Cowden    I   Select  Men  for  the 
John  Thurston  J  Town  of  Fitchburg 

[(>*->]     March  5^"  1770 

Worcefter  fs  In  Obediance  to  the  within  Written  War- 
rant I  have  warned  all  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants   Qualif\'ed    by     Law    to    Vote    in     Town    affairs    to 

5 


66  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Afscniblc  and  meet  at  the  time  and  Place  with  in  mentioned 

to  Act  on  the  Articles  within  Mentioned 

Jonathan  Wood  Conftable 

At  a  Lep:al  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  Inhabitants 
of  the   Town   of  Fitchburgh   afsembled   On   March  the  5**' 

1770 

Tho^  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

l'^^    Choose  Cap^  David   Goodridge  Moderator    .     .     . 
2'.'     the  fame  Tho*:  Cowdin.   Capt    David   Goodridge  & 

John   White  Select   Men Select   Men 

3^'     Thomas  Covvden  Town  Clerk     .     .     .     Town  Clerk 

4  Thomas  Cowden  Town  Treafurer    .    Town  Treafurer 

5  Choose  Joseph  Spafford  Conftable  and  The  Town 
Accepted  of  Deacon  John  Thurston  in  his  Room  .  Conftable 

6  Choose  Charles  Willard  &  James  Pool  Wardens  .  . 
Wardens 

7  Choofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  &  faml  Pierce  .  .  Tyth- 
ing  Men 

8  Choofe  Soloman  Steward  &  Hezekiah  Hodgskin 
Surveyors  of  High  wa\'s  &  Kindal  Boutell  &  Nichols 
Dan  forth  &  John  Putmun  &  James  Litch  &  Jofeph  Low 
to  be  Collector  of  high  way  Taxes  .  .  high  way  Surve3'ors 

9.  Choofe  Silas  Snow  &  Tho«  Hartwell  be  Deer 
Reives Deer  Reives 

10.  ChoofeJohnBufs&JohnMudg  fire  Wards  .  fire  Wards 

11.  Choofe  David  Pierce.  Elijah  Carter  &  Eliphalet 
Alace Hog  Reives 

12.  Choofe  folomon  Steward  to  be  a  furveyor  of  Clap- 
boards &  fhingles Clapboards  &  Shingles 

13  Choofe  Jonathan  Wood  to  be  a  Culler  of  Staves 
&  Hoops Culler  of  Staves  &  Hoops 

14  Choofe  Ephraim  Ofborne  &  Phinehas  Steward  to 
be  fence  Viewers fence  Viewers. 

15  Choofe  William  Thurlo  Cealer  of  Leather  .  .  Cealer 
of  Leather 

[63]  letii  Choose  Mordecai  Moores  &  Eliphalet  Mace 
to  be  field  drivers Field  Drivers 

17.  Fitchburgh  October  5.  1769  Laid  out  a  two  Rod 
Road  begining  at  Wl  John  Bufses   Houfe  &  Runs  through 


Toivn  of  Fttchhirgh.  67 

f  Bufse,s  land  till  it  comes  to  Land  of  Mr  Eleazer  Houten 
so  through  Mr  Houtens  land  till  it  comes  to  M^  Joshua 
Goodridges  Land  so  through  said  Goodridges  Land  till  it 
comes  to  Comon  Land  so  through  the  Comon  Land  till 
it  comes  to  Land  of  Deacon  Amos  Kimballs  Land  & 
through  said  Kimballs  Land  till  it  comes  to  the  Road  that 
leads  from  Hezekiah  Hodgskin,s  Road  that  leads  to  the 
Meeting  Houfe  and  Marked  Trees  on  the  South  side  of 
the  road  &  Excepted  if  the  land   be  given   by   the   Owners 

Tho**  Cowden     1      .,  i     j.  m 

rr  r>-ur  V       ciclcct    Mcn 

llaac  Giblon       ;    r  ,.-,  ,  ,        , 
T   1,     Ti       pj-  <^>i  iMtchburgh 

John  Thurfton  )  '^ 

18  March  3'.'    1770   A   two   Rod   Road   laid   out   from 

M""    Benj-'  Jaquith^    House   Runing  South   Westerly   till   it 

comes  to  a  Black  Oak  tree  from  that  tree  Runing  through 

Comon  Land  to  a  Black  Oak  in  M":   John  Whites  Land  and 

through  said  Whites   Land  by   the  West  end  of  his  Houfe 

till  it  comes  to   the  Town   Road  &  this  be  a  Bridle  Road 

and   this    Road  given    by   M""  John   White  prefent    at    the 

Town  Meeting  for  a  Bridle  Road     .... 

T   u     T-u       ^       \       Comittee 
John  1  hurston  I  •    4^    i  i, 

T   1       1^'u-*  )   api)ointc(l  bv 

|ohn  White         I  4.1      e  i     *.  at" 
-'  J  the  Select  Men 

19  March  3'.'  1770  Laid  out  a  two  Rod  Road  by 
Order  of  the  Select  Men  begining  at  Af  hby  line  and  Runing 
through  Coll"  Browns  land  and  then  through  William 
Smalls  Land  and  then  thro',  John  Putnams  Land  and 
through  Ifaac  Gibfon  Land  to  the  Old  Road  that  Leads 
to  Afhby  and  Marked  trees  on  the  Easterh'  side  of  said 
Road     .... 

and  the  land  given  by  W™  Small  John  Putnam  &  Ifaac 
(libfon  Prefent  at  the  Town  Meeting     .... 

Comittee 


Ifaac  (iiblon      •  •   ,    , 

TIT,,  aiMiomtcd 

John  Putnam    ;     ','      ,, 
\v\v         c       11         bv  the 
William  Small     ,,  1  '  *.  at 

)  Select  Men 

[r»4]  1770   March  cV^^ 

20  \'()ted  &  Raised  One  hundred  Pounds  to  Reparc 
the  high  ways  and  to  ])ay  those  that  have  worked  more 
than  hath  been  Afsef'.'  on  the  Several  Perlbns    .     .     .    £100 

21  Voted  that  the  Town  \ya\  for  the  Rum  that  was 
Expended  at  the  feveral  Bridges 


68  The  Old  Records  of  the 

22  Voted  that  the  hijjhway  taxes  be  Worked  out  in 
the  Ufual  Manner 

23  Voted  &  Accepted  of  the  Town  Treafurer  Ac- 
counts as  they  stand  by  the  felect  Men  that  is  Due  to 
Thos   Cowden £76  ..19.4 

24  Voted  that  the  felect  Men  Provide  a  fett  of 
Weights  &  Mcafures  for  the  Towns  ufe 

25  Voted  that  the  Swine  run  at  Large  being  Lawfuly 
yoked  &  Ringd 

26  Voted  to  pay  Mordecai  Moores  for  Boarding  Mr? 
Hart  Three  pounds   Eight   fhilHngs  &  Eight  pence  for  One 
whole  year  and  so  in  proportion  by  the  Week  in  Case  that 
she  fhould  not  live  till  the  year  is  Expired     .... 

27  Voted  to  abate  Mr  Upton?  pole  tax  in  M":  Ifaac 
Gibfon  &  Ebenezer  Bridges  Lists     .     .     .     aloud  Gibfon  pd 

aloud  m''  Bridge 1-2-6  pd 

28  Voted  to  Accept  of  Deacon  John  Thurfton  Con- 
ftable  in  the  Room  of  Mr  Joseph  Spaftbrd     .     .     Constable 

The  Meeting  Difolved 

The  Sevral    Town   oficers  tuck   the  oaths    Riquird    by 

Law 

Tho^  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

[65]  Octobr  the  1  1770 

(feal)  Worceftr  fs  To  mr  John  Thufton  Cunftable  for 
the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Greting 

In  His  majests  name  you  are  Requird  to  warne  all  the 
free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burgh qualifid  by  Law  to  vote  in  Towm  a  faers  to  a 
Semble  and  meet  att  the  meting  houfe  on  mond}'  the  firft 
Day  of  octobr  next  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then 
&  their  being  Duely  met  and  formd  to  act  on  the  artels 
folowing 

I'y  to  Chuefe  a  moderater  for  Goverment  of  f*^  meting 

2'-^  to  Raife  money  for  the  Rev^*  mr  John  Pa^fons 
Salery  for  the  3ear  Infuing 

3'>'  Raife  money  to  provide  a  Scoole  or  Scooles  and 
vote  aney  thing  Refering  their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

4'>'  to  have  all  perfons  bring  in  their  a  Counts  that 
have  Dun  Serves  for  the  Town     .... 


Tow7t  of  Fitchburgh.  69 

5'y  to  Raife  aney  fum  or  fumes  of  mone}'  to  Defray 
Town  Charges  as  the  Town  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

6'y  to  fee  if  Town  will  vote  to  have  the  Records  Taken 
out  of  the  old  Town  book  and  Entcrd  in  the  new  book 
b}^  the  Town  Clark  and  Compard  h\  a  Comite     .     .     . 

7'y  to  fee  if  the  Town  Will  a  bate  anev  part  of  the 
Rates  on  P^benezer  Bridges  List  &  also   Ifaac  Gibfons  List 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Returne  of  this  Warrant 
with  your  Dowings  there  on  to  fume  one  of  us  at  or  befor 
the  Day  above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  and  Seale 
this   Eleventh   Day  of  Sep^*"  and   in   the   Tenth  year  of  his 

majefts  Reign  A  D  1770 

Tho^  Cowdin         |      Select 
David  Goodridge  /    men  for 
John  White  J  fitchburgh 

Worceftr  fs  octobr  the  1  1770 

In  obediance  to  the  within  Warant  I  have  notifid  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  to  apear  at  time 
and  place  mentned  in  to  act  on  the  artels  incerted  their  in 

John  Thufton   Cunftable 

[(>(>]  at  a  Legal  meting  of  the  fre  Holders  and  other 
Inhabitants  of  Town  of  fitchburgh  afembled  on  octobr 
the  1  1770  — 

Tho^  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

I'y    Chofe  John  White  moderater 

2'>'  Voted  to  Rafe  Sixty  Six  pounds  thirteen  and  foure 
pene  to  pay  the  Reverant  m""  John  Payson  his  Salery  for 
the  year  Infuing (56-13  4 

3'y  Voted  to  Rafe  five  pounds  thirteen  fhilings  and 
foure  pence  to  be  Laid   out  in  Scooling    .     .     .     .     5  13  4 

4'y  Voted  That  Ruben  Gibson  &  Decon  Kimball  & 
Jonathan  Wood  be  a  Comite  to  provide  a  Scoole  mafter 
and  that  3  quarters  of  the  money  be  Laid  out  2  parts  of 
the  Town  the  other  quarter  be  Laid  out  in  phinehas 
Hartwclls  Corner  &  Routals  Corner  of  the  Town 
5'>'  Voted  to  alow  Tho''  Cowdins  a  Count  .  .  pd  3  11  3 
6'y  Voted  to  alow  m«-  Witts  a  Count  ....  pd  00  6  10-2 
7'y  Voted  to  alow  Decon  Thuftons  a  Count    .    pd  00    G    3 


70  The  Old  Records  of  the 

8'y  Voted  to  alow  Capt  (ioodrid^^cs  a  Count  pd  00  10  8 
9'>'  Voted  to  alow  John  Whites  a  Count  .  .  pd  00  2  6 
!()'>  Voted  to  alow  Jofeph  Polleys  a  Count  .  pd  00  1  0 
1 1'>    Voted  to  alow  Kbenezer  Bridges  a  Count  pd  00  Iv'i    4 

12'>  Voted  to  Draft  the  old  Records  off  the  old  Town 
Book  and  that  Cap<^  Goodridge  &  John  White  be  a 
Coniite  to  Compare  the  Records  when  Drafted  by  the 
Town  Clark     .... 

13'^  Voted  to  abate  out  of  Ifaac  Gibfons  List  of 
Town  &  provence  Rate paid  Gibfon  2  11  9-2 

[07]  14' "^  Voted  to  alow  Ebenezer  Bridge  two 
pounds  five  fhilings  on  acount  of  hildrccks  &  Noah  Wizels 
Rates pd  2  5  0 

15'>'     Voted    to    Rafe    thirteen     pounds    fix    fhilings    & 

I->ight  penc  to  Defray  Town   Charges 13  6  8 

The  Meting  Difolved 

Tho^  Cowdin   Town  Clark 


march  the  4  1771 

(Scale)     Worceftr  fs 

To  m*"  John  Thufton  Cunftable  for  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burgh  Gretting 

In  his  mjefts  name  you  are  Requird  to  w^arne  all  the 
free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh 
qualified  b3'^  Law  to  Vote  in  Towm  afaers  to  afsemble  & 
meet  at  the  meeting  house  on  mondy  the  fourth  Day  of 
march  next  at  nine  O  Clock  in  the  foure  noon  then  &  their 
being  meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  artcals  folowing 

1'-^   to  Chuefc  a  moderator  for  Goverment  of  f''  meeting 

2'y  to  Chuefe  Select  meen  &  other  Town  oficers  for 
the  year  Infuing 

8'y  to  Exept  of  fuch  Roads  as  are  Laid  out  b^^  the 
Select  men  or  their  order 

4'-^  to  Raise  money  to  mend  the  high  ways  &  Vote 
aney   thing   Refering  there   to   as   the\'  Shall   Think  proper 

5'>-  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Exept  of  the  Town  Treaf- 
urers  acounts  as  they  Stand   Examined  by  the  Select  men 

6'-^  to  Raise  money  to  Suport  m*"^  Hart  or  Vote  aney 
thing  Refering  there  to  as  They  fhall  Think  proper    .     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  71 

7'i'  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  abate  Such  Rates  as  fhall 
be  Laid  before  the  Town  by  the  Cunftables  or  Vote  aney 
thing  Refering  there  to  as  the\-  fhall  think  proper    .     .     . 

8'y  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  Exept  of  fuch  acounts  as 
fhall  be  Laid  before  the  Town 

9'y  to  heare  the  acounts  of  the  fevral  Colectors  of  high 
way  Taxes  for  the  3'ear  paft  &  Vote  anc}-  thing  Referring 
there  to  as  they  Shall  Think  proper 

lO'y  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Take  up  the  2  hind  feates 
&  feel  that  Ground  with  the  2  alleys  to  the  Highest  bidder 
or  Vote  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as  they  fhall  Think 
proper     

ll'y  to  bring  in  the  Vots  of  the  Town  for  a  Cunty 
Regstr 

V2}^  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  Exept  of  the  Select  mens 
Report  in  comparing  the  old  Records  as  they  are  Taken 
off  the  old  Book 

[(>8]  13'y  to  See  if  the  Swine  ma^'  Run  at  Large  in 
Town  the  year  Infuing 

Here  of  fale  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
Sume  one  of  us  the  Subfcribors  at  or  before  the  Day  above 
mentned  Given  under  our  hand  &  feale  this  fourth  Day  of 
febuery  A  D   1771   &  in  the   Eleventh  year  of  his   majefts 

Reign 

Tho"  Cowdin         f  Select  men 
David  Goodridge  I         for 
John  White  [  fitchburgh 

Worceftr  fs   fitchburgh  march  the  4  1771 
In   obediance   to   the   Within    Warrant    I   have   notified 
the  Inhabitants  of  f^*  Town  acording  to   the  Towns   \'ote 

John  Thufton   Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meting  of  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  afcmblcd  march  the  4- 
1771 

Tho"*  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

I'y   Voted  &  Chofe  Decon  Amos  Kimball  moderator     .     . 

2'y  Voted    &    Chofe    Amos    Kimball    Tho^    Cowdin   & 

cap*^  David  Goodridge  Select  men Select  men 


72  The  Old  Records  of  the 

3'y  Voted  &  Chofe  Tlio'^  Cowdin  Town  Clark  .  Town 
Clark 

4'.v  Voted  &  Chofe  Tho''  Cowdin  Town  Treafurer  .  Town 

Treafurcr 

n'y   Voted  &  Chofe  Ifaiah  Witt  Cunftable    .     Cunftable 

6'y  Voted  &  Chofe  Jonathan  Smith  &  Ebenezer  Wood 
Wardens Wardens 

7'>-  Voted  &  Chofe  Bphriham  OZburn  &  Hezekiah 
Hodgkin  Tythen  men Tythen  men 

S'y  Chofe  eapt  David  Goodridge  &  Jefse  french  &  max' 
Jewitt  &  Daniel  putnam  &  Elijah  Carter  &  Kindall  Bou- 
tall  &  Eliphlet  maee  Coleetors  of  high  way  Taxes  high 
way  Survaers 

9'>'  Chofe  Jonathan  page  &  Icabod  Smith  Deere  Reves 
Deer  Reves 

10'-^'  Chofe  Jofhua  paree  &  John  Bufs  fier  wards  fier 
wards 

11'-^  Chofe  Icabod  Smith  &  oliver  Davis  &  Jonathan 
Holt  &  Ebenezer  Thufton  Hog  Reves  hog  Reves 

12'>'  Chofe  Soloman  Steward  Survar  of  Clabords  & 
Shingels  Clabords  &  Shingels 

13'-^  Chofe  John  Bufs  Culler  of  hups  &  Staves  Culler 
of  hups  &  Staves 

[(>J)]  14-1^  Chofe  Tho'^  Starns  &  Decon  John  Thufton 
fence  Vewers  fence  vers 

15'y  Chofe  William  Thurlo  Seler  of  Lether  Seler  of 

Lether 

16'y  *We  have  Laid  out  a  2  Rod  Rode  begining  at  ra'' 
Jonathan  pages  &  abraham  farwells  Southerdly  Divison 
Corner  Runing  Southerdly  through  m'"  Olivers  Land  to  m*" 
phinehas  Hartwells  Land  &  through  f"^  Hartwells  Land 
til  it  corns  to  Ebenezer  Harringtons  Land  fo  through  f*^ 
Harringtons  til  it  coms  the  Rode  that  Leeds  from  m*"  hart- 
wells Land  to  f^  harringtons  house  fo  by  harringtons 
house  on  the  South  Side  of  f^'  house  Runing  Eafterdl3'  to 
or  near  the  Spring  then  turns  Southerdly  &  Runing  through 
Comon  Land  to  Land  of  mofes  perly  fo  through  f*^  perh's 
Land  to  Land  of  Ebenezer  Thuftons  Down  to  f*^  Thuftons 

•First  location  of  part  of  Ashby  West  Road  and  Flat  Rock  Road. 
[Annotation  on  the  margin. — \Y.  A.  D.] 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  73 

house  then  Runing  from  P'  Thuftens  house  ftrait  to  the  old 

County   Rode  fo   folowing  the  old   Count}-   Rode   Down  to 

the  prefent  County  Rode  at  the  Botom  of  pine  hill  fo  caled 

&  markt  trees  on  the  Eafterdly  Side  of  f'  Rode 

fitchburgh  march  the  11    1771  and  Exepted  if  Given 

the  P'  Hartwell  Referring  all  the  timber  in  f  Road 

rr^-i    ^  r^        V     (Select  men 
Tho"-  Cowdm  )         r 

John  White     j  fitchburgh 

17'y  *\Ye  have  Laid  out  a  Rode  Begining  at  holow  a 
Litle  below  a  yarde  Caled  m""  David  Go(jdels  yard  about 
one  hundred  Rods  Weft  of  m*"  David  Goodels  saw  mill 
Runing  Eafterdly  b}^  f'^  mill  til  it  Coms  to  the  old  Rode 
that  Leeds  by  m''  Goodels  house  then  Turning  north  & 
Laid  out  a  2  Rode  Road  through  f'^  Goodels  Land  til  it 
Coms  to  Land  of  Icabod  Smiths  fo  through  f"^  fmiths  Land 
til  it  Coms  to  Land  of  francis  fullams  &  the  Land  Given 
by  f*^  Goodel  &  P'  Smith  through  bothe  of  Their  farms  til 
f**  Rode  Striks  francis  fullams  Land  then  Runing  Strait 
by  f^  fullams  house  by  the  East  End  of  f"^'  houfe  ftrait 
through  f  fullams  Land  to  Land  of  Jofeph  Downes  fo 
through  f'^  Downes  Land  by  the  Eafterdly  End  of  his  house 
Whare  f  Rode  mets  the  Town  Rode  Laid  out  by  Select 
men  as  apears  by  the  Records  on  the  Town  Book  & 
Exepted  by  the  Town  if  Given  at  their  anual  meeting 
march  7  1768 

Said  Rode  through  m""  francis  fullams  Land  Exepted 
by  the  Town  upon  the  Towns  Axpence  in  Cafe  m'"  francis 
fullam  will  not  Give  the  Land  fitchburgh  febuery  the  21 
1771 

Tho''  Cowdin         j  Select  men 
David  Goodridge  I         for 
John  White  [  fitchburgh 

[70]  18'>  We  have  Laid  out  a  2  Rod  Rode  begining 
at  John  Gibfons  north  Line  Runing  a  Southerdly  point 
through  f  Gibfons  Land  til  it  Coms  to  a  Corner  of  m*^ 
foxcrafts  Land  &  Runing  through  m''  foxcrafts  Land  til  it 
Cons    to    Land    of   Tho**    Willards   &    throu<rh    f    Willards 


"Old  location  road  now  called   Franklin  Road.     [Annotation  on  the 

margin. — \V.  A.  I).] 


74  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Land  til  it  Corns  to  Land  ownd  by  the  hairs  of  Secretry 
Willanls  iS:  throii;^di  P'  Willards  Land  til  it  Corns  to  Land 
l)cl()n^nn  to  libcncz  Hridge  &  Zacriah  Whitney  J"-"  Land 
So  Kuning  bctwcn  P'  Bridges  &  Whitneys  Land  til  it 
Coins  to  old  Rode  Leding  from  L:benezer  Bridges  to  the 
meeting  house  &  markt  Trefe  on  the  Wefterdly  Side  of  f"^ 
Rode  &  the  Land  Given  by  f*^  Gibfon  &  f'^  Willard  through 
their    Lands  the  other  part   Exepted   if  Given    fitchburgh 

febuery  the  28  1771  ,5^,^^^  ^^„ 

Tho^  Cowdm  )         ^^_^^ 
John  White     (fitchburgh 

19'>'  Axepted  of  a  Bridel  Rode  Through  m*"  Ephri- 
hams  Kimballs  Land  from  Solomans  Stewards  Land  til  it 
comes  to  Decon  Amos  Kimballs  Land  by  the  buerieng 
yard  &  the  privlege  of  the  Land  Given  by  m*"  Ephriham 
Kimball  fo  Long  as  Their  is  Good  Gates  made  &  main- 
tained by  m""  Soloman  Steward  or  aney  other  perfon 
pofeshng  f''  Soloman  Stewards  farm 

20'y  Voted  to  Rafe  ninty  pounds  to  be  workt  out  on 
the  high  waj'S  &  that  the  Colectors  make  up  and  complet 
their  Coleton  by  the  first  of  novembr  next  or  be  a  Count- 
able to  the  Town  Trefurer  for  the  Renainder  part  in 
mony  &  that  thofe  that  work  be  aloud  in  the  ufel 
maner -90-0-0 

2V^'  Voted  And  Exepted  the  Town  Treafurers  acounts 
as  they  ftand  Examend  b^'  the  Selectmen  &  that  thej' 
find  that  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Treafurer  hath  paid  out 
Sixt}'  one  pound  Eighteen  Shilings  &  Eight  pene  more  then 
he  hath  Refevd  of  the  Towns  money    .     .     .     .     -61  -18  8 

22'-^  Voted  to  pay  m""  Witt  three  pounds  Seventeen 
Shilngs  &  foure  for  hording  nV^  Hart  pence  for  one  whole 
year  &  fo  in  proporton  by  the  weke  in  Cafe  fhe  fhould 
not   Live  til  the  year  is  Expired     .     .     .     .     -3-17-'ipd 

[71]     23'y  Voted  and  abated  John  putnams  Town  Tax 

in  Jonathan  Woods  List         -1     ^2-^\-^\ 

also  John  muge  Rates  in  Jonathan  Woods  List   16      11 

also  Fetter  Nurce  in  Dito 1      6-1-1 

also  William  Small  in  Dito 1      6-1      1 

also  Zacriah  Whitneys  J"*"  Dito 1      6-1      1 

total  paid  £6-6-6-1 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  75 

24'-^  Voted  to  alow  John  putnam  his  aCount  which 
is 1  3  -  (5  pd 

25'>'  Voted  that  all  the  old  Colectors  of  high  way 
taxes  for  the  year  1770  Shall  complet  their  Colecton  by 
the  firft  of  June  next  or  be  acountable  to  the  Town 
Treafurer  for  the  Remainder  of  the  money  that  fiiall  not 
be  workt  out  by  the  time  above  mentncd 

26'>'  Voted  to  Sell  the  Ground  where  the  hind  Seet 
together  with  the  2  alles  to  the  Hiest  bider  &  that  the 
money  Shall  be  Laid  out  in  finefhing  the  meetinghouse  <Sc 
that  the  Ground  be  Sold  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
&  no  other  perfon  &  that  Decon  Kimball  Tho*^  Cowdin  & 
Cap*  David  Goodridge  be  a  Comitte  to  dispofe  of  the 
Ground  whare  the  2  hind  fets  ftands  together  with  the  2 
alles  &  that  they  be  impowerd  to  Give  Deeds  of  the 
Ground  in  the  metng  house  as  above  mentned 

27'>'  Voted  to  Exept  of  the  Records  as  they  are  Com- 
pard  by  the  Comitte 

28'>'  Voted  that  the  Swine  Run  at  Large  the  vear 
Infuing 

The  meetting  Defolved 

Amos  Kimball   moderator 

The  Sevral  Town  oficers  Tuck  the  oaths  Requird  by 
Law 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 


[72]  may  the  28  1771 

(feale)  Worceftr  is  To  mr  Ifaiah  Witt  Cunftable  for 
the  Town  of  fitchburgh   Greeting 

In  his  majeftes  name  you  are  Requird  to  Warne  all 
the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burgh qualifid  b}'  Law  to  Vote  in  town  afaers  to  afemble 
&  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  on  tuefdy  the  twenty  Eighth 
Day  of  this  Inftant  may  at  two  ()  Clock  in  the  after 
noone  then  &  their  being  Ducly  meet  iK:  fornul  to  act  on 
the  articles  folowing 

l'>'     to  Chuefe  a  moderator  for  (yovcrmcnt  of  f  meeting 

2'-^  to  See  What  method  the  Town  will  Come  Into 
to   Build  &    Repaire   the    Bridges   that    arc   Carried  a  Wav 


76  The  Old  Records  of  the 

&   Damnified  by   the  floods   or  Vote  aney   thing    Refering 
their  to  as  they  Ihall  thin  proper     .... 

Here  olT  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Warrant 
to  Sum  one  of  us  the  Suljfcribers  at  or  befor  the  time 
above  mentned  Given  under  our  hand  &  Seale  this  four- 
teenth  Day  of  may  A  D  1771  &  in  the   Eleventh  year  of 

his  majests  Reign 

Tho'^  Cowdin         f  Select  meen 
Amos  Kimball      \  for 

David  Goodridge  (  fitchburgh 

Worceftr  fs    fitchburgh  may  the  28  1771 
In  obediance  to  the   within   warrant  I  have  warnd  all 
the   Inhabitants   &   others    qualified    by    Law    to    vote  in 
Town    afares    to    afemble    at    y*^  place  a   Cording    to    the 
within  Warrant  / 

pr  Ifaiah  Witt  Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  fre  holders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  Town  of  fitchburgh  afembled  ma\^  the  28  1771 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

I'y    Chofe  Decon  Amos  Kimball  moderator    .... 

2iy  Voted  &  Chofe  James  Poole  &  Kindal  Boutal  & 
Silos  Snow  to  be  a  Commitee  to  Buield  the  Bridge  over 
the  River  at  m""  David  Goodels  Saw  mill  and  that  the3^  be 
aloud  &  paid  b3'  the  Town 

3^y  Voted  that  Capt  David  Goodridge  Repair  the 
Bridge  over  the  River  by  the  meting  houfe  &  that  the 
Town  alowe  pa}-  for  that  ferves 

Amos  Kimbal  moderator 

The  meeting  Disolved   pr  Tho^  Cowdin  Town  Clark 

[73]  Octobr  the  1  1771 

(Seal)  Worceftr  fs  To  mr  Ifaiah  Witt  Cunftable  for 
the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Greetings 

I  his  raajefts  name  you  are  herby  Requird  to  Warne 
all  the  Inhabitants  of  f'^  Town  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the 
meeting  hous  on  fryda  the  firft  Day  of  novembr  next  at 
one  O  Clock  in  the  afternoone  then  &  their  being  duely 
meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  articels  folowing    .     .     . 


Towjt  of  Fitchbiirgh.  11 

I'y  to  Chuefe  a  moderator  for  Goverment  of  S.^  meeting 

2'y  to  Raie  money  to  pa}-  the  Revrant  m''John  Payson 
his  Salery  for  the  3'ear  paft 

3'>'  to  Rafe  money  to  provide  a  fcool  or  fcools  &  vote 
aney  thing  Refering  their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     . 

4'>'  to  fee  if  the  Town  Will  Do  aney  thing  further 
towards  finifhing  the  meeting  house  or  vote  aney  thing 
Refering  their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .... 

5'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  alowe  the  Seet  next  to  the 
pues  Ground  Lath'  fold  to  be  moved  as  much  forwarder 
as  the  Seet  will  Convenantly  alowe  of  &  Give  the  Ground 
to  the  purchesors  of  the  pue  Ground     .... 

6'y  to  have  thofe  that  have  Done  Serves  for  the  Town 
bring  in  their  acounts    &    Rase   money  to   pay  the  same 

7'-"^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  abate  aney  Rats  in  aney 
of  the  former  Cunftabls  Lists     .... 

8'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Rafe  aney  Sum  or  Sumes 
of  money  to  Defra3'  Town  Charges 

Here  of  fale  not  &  make  Return  of  this  Warrant  to 
Some  one  of  us  at  or  befor  the  Day  above  mentned  Given 
under  our  hands  &  Seale  this  fixteenth  Da\'  of  octobr  & 
in  the  twelf  year  of  his  majests  Reign  A  D  1771 

Amos  Kimball       f  Select  men 
Tho"*  Cowdin         \         for 
David  Goodridge  [fitchburgh 

[74]  Worceftr  fs  In  obedance  to  the  within  warrant 
I  have  warned  all  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  qualified 
by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  afairs  fitchburgh  Novembr  the  1 
1771 

Ifaiah  Witt  Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburgh  afembld  on  Xovembr  the  1  1771 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

I'y  Chofe  Capt  David  Goodridge  moderator     .     .     . 

2'y  Voted  to  Rase  fixty  fix  pounds  thirteen  fhilings  & 
foure  penc  to  pay  m*"  John  Payson  his  Salery  for  the  year 
past ()(>  -  13  -  4- 

3'y  \'oted  to  Rafe  nine  pounds  to  provide  a  fcool  9  — U  — 0 


78  The  Old  Records  of  the 

|.'>  \'()tc(l  tliat  Ivhenezer  IWidc  &  James  Poole  &  phine- 
li.Ms  1 1. 'I  it  well  be  a  Comitte  to  provide  a  fcool  mailer  & 
that  thre  (piarters  of  the  money  be  Laid  out  in  2  parts  of 
the  Town  c'v:  the  other  (juarter  in  phinehas  Hartwells  & 
jamos  Pooles  Corner  of  the  Town 

r)'>  Voted  and  Chofe  a  Committe  to  make  a  plan  of 
the  ])ue  Ground  in  the  (laleres  behind  the  Seets  &  that 
moles  Thurlo  &  Soloman  Steward  &  John  Putnam  be  a 
Committe  and  they  mak  a  plan  and  Return  to  the  town 
at  their  next  Town  meeting 

()'>■  Voted  that  the  hind  Seet  be  moved  4  inches  &  that 
the  Ground  be  Given  to  thofe  perfons  that  that  purchfed 
the  pue  Ground 

7'>  Voted  to  pay  m''  James  Poole  &  Silos  Snow  & 
Kindal  Boutal  nine  pounds  11/8  for  Building  a  Bridge 
over  the  River  by  mr  Goodels  Saw  mill     ....     9-11-8 

8'-^-  Voted  to  alow  Decon  Kimball  18/8     .    .   pd  0  18  8 

9'>-  Voted  to  alow  Capt  David  Goodridge  25/4  pd  1-5-4 

[75]     10'>'  Voted  to  alow  Samuel  Walker  28/5  pd  1  8  5 

ll'>    Voted  to  alow  Thos  Cowdin    .     .     .     .     pd  ^4  2  7 

12'y  Voted  to  ajurne  this  meeting  til  the  18  Day  of 
this  Inftant  Novembr  a  one  o  Clock  in  the  after  noon   .    . 

13'^'  Voted  that  the  pues  Ground  in  the  Galerys  be 
Sold  at  vandue  &  that  the  hiest  bider  fhall  be  the  purchfer 
&  that  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  be  the  purchfers  & 
now  other  perfons  &  that  the  money  be  Laid  out  in  fin- 
ifhing  the  meeting  houfe 

14'>'  Voted  that  Decon  Kimball  The*  Cowdin  &  Cap"^ 
Goodridge  be  a  Committe  to  fell  the  pues  Ground  in  the 
Galer^'s  and    Give   Deeds  of   the    Ground  to  the  purchefrs 

15'y  Voted  that  Tho^  Cowdin  &  Capt  Goodridge  & 
Ebenezer  Woods  be  a  Committe  to  hnifh  the  meeting  house 
&  that  it  be  Left  to  the  Committe 

16'>"  Voted  to  abate  Tho**  Palmers  Rats  in  Jonathan 
Woods  List  £1 -11 -9-3 paid  111  9-3 

17'^  Voted  to  abate  Noah  Wizels  Rats  in  Jonathan 
Woods   List paid  18  3  1 

18'>'  Voted  to  Rafe  fourteen  pounds  to  Defray-  Town 
Charges  £14  -  0  -  0 14  0  0 

The  meeting  Difolved   David   Goodridge  moderator 
pr  Tho^  Cowdin  Town  Clark 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  79 

[76]  march  the  2  1772 

(Seal)  Worceltr  fs  To  m''  Ifaiah  Witt  Cunftable  for 
the    Town    of   fitchburgh  Greting 

In  his  majefts  name  you  are  Re(|uird  to  warne  all  the 
free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burg  qualified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  afaers  to  afsem- 
ble  &  meet  at  the  meetinghous  in  f''  Town  on  mondy  the 
fecond  Day  of  march  next  at  nine  O  Clock  in  the  foure 
noon  then  &  their  being  Duely  meet  &  formd  to  act  on 
the  articls  folowing 

l'-^'     to  Chuefe  a  moderator  for  (yoverment  of  f'^  meeting 

2'-''  to  Chuefe  Select  men  &  other  Town  oficers  for  the 
year  Infuing     .... 

3^y  to  Kafe  money  to  mend  the  high  ways  &  bridges 
the  year  Infuing  &  vote  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as 
they  fhall  think  pro])er 

4'y  to  Exept  of  fuch  Roads  as  are  Laid  out  by  the 
Select  men  or  their  order 

5'y  to  Rafe  mone\'  to  fui)ort  mrs  Hart  or  vote  aney 
thing  Refering  their  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

6'y  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  Chuefe  a  Committe  to  wate 
upon  the  County  Courts  Committe  in  Laying  out  a 
County  Road  through  fitchburgh  by   m""  Boutals     .... 

7'>-  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  Exept  of  the  Town  Treaf- 
urers  a  Counts  as  they  Stand  Setled  by  the  Select  men  .    . 

8^y  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  Difcontinue  the  Road 
through  Decon  Kimballs  Land  by  the  Town  of  Luncn- 
burgh  from  the  Decons  towards  Hczckiah  Hodgkins     .     . 

9'-^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Let  the  Swine  Run  at 
Large  the  year  Infuing    .... 

Here  of  fale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
fome  one  of  us  the  Subfcribor  at  or  before  the  E)a\'  above 
mentned  Given  under  our  hands  <S:  Seals  this  thirteenth 
Day  of  of  fcbucry  <J<:  in  the  twelfth  year  of  his  majcsts 
Reign  Amos  Kimball       | 

A  I)  1772  Thos  Cowdin  Select  mccn 

David  (^loodridgc  | 

Worceltr  fs  In  obedcance  to  the  within  written  war- 
ant  1  have  warnd  all  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  cpmli- 
fid  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  affairs 

fitchburgh  march  the  2  1772  Ifaiah  Witt  Cunftable 


80  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[77]  at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburgh  afeniblcd  on  inarch  the  2  1772 

Tho''  Covvdin   Town  Clark 

l'>    Chofc  Dccon  Amos  Kimball  moderator     .     .     . 

2'>'  \'oted  i\:  Chofc  Thos  Cowdin  &  Decon  Amos  Kim- 
ball &  Dccon  John  Thufton   Select  meen     .     .     .     Selet  men 

3'>'  Voted  (S:  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clark  .  Town 
Clark 

4'>'  Voted  &  Chofe  Tho^  Cowdin  Town  Treafurer  .  . 
Town  Treafurer 

o'y   Voted  &  Chofe  Soloman  Steward   Cunftable     .     . 
Cunftable 

6'>'  Voted  &  Chofe  Nehemiah  fuller  &  Phinehas  Sawyer 
Jul    Wardens Wardens 

Ty  Voted  &  Chofe  Tho'^  Hartwxll  &  oliver  Davis  Tythen 
men Tythen  men 

8'^  Voted  &  Chofe  Icabod  Smith  &  Decon  Kimball  & 
mordaci  moors  Abraham  Gibfon  Charls  Willard  Ebenezer 
Woods  Colectors  of  high  way  Taxes    .    high  way  Survars 

9'y  Voted  &  Chofe  Samuel  Downe  &  Tho«  Hartwell 
Deer  Reves Deer  Reves 

10^-^  Voted  &  Chose  Samuel  Parce  &  Charls  Willard 
fier wards 

111-^-  Voted  &  Chofe  Samuel  Parce  &  William  Steward 
Jonathan   Page  hog  Reves hog  Reves 

12iy  Voted  &  Chofe  Soloman  Stew^ard  Culler  of  Shingls 
&  Clabords Shingels  &  Clabords 

13'y  Voted  &  Chofe  Jonathan  Wood  a  Suervar  of 
hups  &  ftaves hups   &   Staves 

14>y  Voted  &  Chofe  David  Goodridge  &  Tho^  Cowdin 
fence  vewers fence  vewers 

15'y  Voted  &  Chofe  William  Thurlo  feler  of  Lether  .  . 
Seler  of  Lether 

16'-^  Voted  &  Raifed  Eight3'  pounds  to  be  workt  out 
on  the  high  ways  &  bridges  £80  0  0 

and  that  they  work  by  the  ower  in  the  uefal  maner  & 
that  Ever}'  Surver  of  high  ways  work  one  Da^'  with  all 
his  whole  Deftrict  on  the  county  Rode  or  not  be  aloud  for 
that  Davs  work 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  81 

[78]  17'>'  Voted  to  pay  mordaci  moors  foure  pounds 
ten  Shilings  to  board  m'"''  Hart  one  whole  year  &  so  in 
proportion  by  the  wekc  in  Cafe  fhe  fhould  not  Live  the 
year  out  £-4-  10  0 

18'>'  Voted  <S:  Chol'e  David  Goodridge  Tho''  Cowdin  & 
Amos  Kimball  to  be  a  Committe  to  wate  upon  the  Coun- 
tys  Committe  in  Laying  out  a  County  Rode  Through  the 
Town  of  fitchburgh 

19'>'  Voted  &  Axepted  of  the  Town  Treafurers  a 
Counts  as  they  stand  setled  by  the  Select  men     .     .     . 

that  is  we  find  Remanding  in  John  Thul'tens  bans 
thirty  nine  pounds   16/  10  -  <~^2 39  16-10  2 

we  also  find  in  mr  Ifaiah  witts  hands         114  12     4 

we  also  find  that  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Treafurer  hath 
paid  over  &  above  w^hat  he  hath  Refvd  of  the  Sveral  Cun- 
ftabls  and  Colectors  of  the  Land  taxes  £58-17-7     .     58-17-7 

Amos  Kimball       (  Select 

febuery  the  24  1772  David  Goodridge  \  men 

20'>'  Voted  to  Difcontinue  the  Road  through  Decon 
Kimballs  Land  Laid  out  b\'  the  Town  of  Lunenburgh 
Leding  from  f  Kimballs  houfe  ftrait  towards  hezekiah 
Hodgkins 

21'>  Voted  to  Let  the  Swine  Run  at  Large  being  yokt 
is:  Ringd  a  Cording  to  Law 

the  meting  Difolvd        pr  Amos  Kimball  moderator 

the  Sevral  Town  oficers  tuck  the  oathes  Rcqurd  by 
Law 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

[71>]  October  19  1772 

(seal)  Worcester  fs.  To  MT  Solomon  Stewart  Con- 
stable for  the  Town  of  I'itchburg  Greeting 

In  his  Majesties  Name  you  are  recjuird  to  warn  all  ihc 
Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  qualified  by  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  Affairs  to  afseml)le  &  meet  at  the  Meeting 
house  on  Monday  the  Nineteenth  Day  of  October  Ins^  at 
One  O  clock  in  the  Afternoon  then  &  there  being  ducly 
met  &  formed  to  Act  on  the  Articles  following 

1  To  Choose  a  Moderator  for  government  of  s'.' 
Meeting 

6 


82  The  Old  Records  of  the 

'1  To  Raise  Money  to  pay  MT  Paysons  Salary  for  the 
present  year 

,'{  To  raise  Money  to  provide  a  Sehool  or  Schools 
and  vote  any  Thin<jj  referring  thereto  as  they  shall  think 
proper     .... 

4.1>'  To  have  those  that  have  done  Service  for  the 
Town  bring  in  their  Accounts  &  raise  Money  to  pay  the 
fame 

5'>'  To  fee  what  Method  the  Town  will  take  to  pro- 
vide M*:  Paysons  Wood,  or  vote  any  thing  referring  there- 
to as  they  shall  think  proper     .... 

6'.>'  To  fee  if  the  Town  will  build  a  School  house  or 
Houses  or  vote  any  thing  referring  thereto  as  they  fhall 
think  proper 

71^  To  fee  if  the  Town  \\\\\  abate  any  Rates  in  any 
of  the  former  Constables  Lists 

8'.y  To  fee  if  the  Town  will  do  any  Thing  towards 
fupporting  the  Bridge  called  Kimballs  Bridge     .     .     . 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  return  of  this  Warrant  to 
some  One  of  us  the  Subfcribers  at  or  before  the  Da}^ 
above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal  this  first 
Day  of  October  A  D  1772  &  in  the  thirteenth   year  of  his 

Majesties  Reign 

The:   Cowdin     f  Select  Men 
Amos  Kimball  I         for 
John  Thurston  [  Fitchburg 

[80]  Fitchburg  October  19  1772 

In  Obedience  to  the  wathin  W^arrant  I  have  warned 
all  the  Inhabitants  to  Afsemble  &  meet  at  the  Time  & 
place  within  mentioned  according  to  the  tenor  of  the 
within  Warrant 

Solomon  Stewart,  Constable 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  afsembled  Octob^    19  .  1772 

Tho^  Cow'din   Town  Clark 

in    Choose  Cap*    David  Goodridge  Moderator    .     .     . 

2'.'  Voted  to  raise  Sixty  Six  Pounds  thirteen  Shillings 
&  four  Pence  to  pa}'  W.  Paysons  Salary  for  the  Year 
past 66  ,,  13  ,,  4 


Town  of  Fitchbnrgh.  83 

3'.'    Voted  to  Allow  Joseph  Sawyer  his  Account  paid£048pd 

4  Voted  to  Allow  Thorn''  Cowdin  his  Account  ])aid  8  7  7  pd 

5  Voted  to  Allow  David  (ioodridge  his  Account  paid4100pd 

6  Voted  to  Allow    Deacon  John    Thurston    his  Ac- 

count      paid  10  M  pd 

7  \'oted  not  to  make  a  Kate  to  jj^et  Mr  Paysons  Wood 
the  Vear  insuing;  but  every  Person  to  get  what  \V(^od 
they  think  proper 

8  Voted  to  Adjourn  the  Meeting,  to  Octol).  2(5.  1772 — 
at  One  O  clock  in  the  Afternoon 

I)  Voted  (&  choose  Deacon  Kiml)all  Solomon  Stewart 
&  Tho*:  Cowdin  to  be  a  Committee  to  repair  the  Bridge 
called  Kimballs  Bridge 

10  \'oted  to  abate  Jonathan  Holts  Rates  in  Deacon 
Thurston  Lists  which  is paid  0  17  pd 

11  Voted  to  Abate  Thomas  Harrifs.s  Rates  in  Jona- 
than Wood.s  List — which  is     .     .     paid     .     .     £  p'^  2  2  1  3 

12  Voted  to  allow  John  Thurston  five  Shillings  &  three 
Pence  being  due  from  Antony  Morse  as  a  Part  of  his 
Rates,  neverthelefs  for  John  Thurston  to  collect  s'.'  Rates  if  in 
his  Power  &  make  return  thereof  to  the  Town   £0  p''  5  3  pd 

[SI]  13.  Voted  to  build  four  School  houses  in  Fitch- 
burg,  and  that  each  Quarter  of  the  Town  build  their  own 
School  house  at  their  own  expence,  free  from  any  Town 
Tax,  Only  that  each  Quarter  have  their  Proportion  of  the 
Town,s  Boards  &  Xails,  left  after  finishing  the  Meeting 
house 

14.  Voted  that  Deacon  Kimball,  Thomas  Cowdin, 
Reuben  Gibson,  Phinehas  Sawyer,  Eben^  Woods  be  a 
Committee  to  fix  Places  to  build  the  School.  Hous*es  ui)on 

15.  Voted  to  raise  twenty  Pounds  to  provide  School 
Masters £20-0-0 

K)  X'oted  that  Thoml  Cowdin  Deacon  Kimball,  Eben"; 
Bridge  be  a  Committee  to  provide  Scoolmaster  or  Masters 

17  Voted  that  each  Quarter  draw  their  proportional 
Part  of  the  Money  raised  to  provide  a  School 

18  Voted  to  raise  twenty  Pounds  to  defrcy  Town 
Charges ':20  -  0  -  O  -  0 

Meeting  difsolvcd 

David    (ioodridgc    Moderator 
Thomas  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 


84  Thr  01<I  Records  of  the 

[.S*i|    inarch  the  1    1773 

(Seal)     WorccCtr  Is 

To  M''  Soloman  Steward  constable  for  The  Town  of 
iMtchburjj^h  Greeting 

In  his  majests  name  you  are  Require]  to  warne  all  the 
free  holders  &  others  Inhabitants  ciuallifyd  by  Law  to  Vote 
in  Town  afairs  to  afsemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house 
on  mondy  the  first  Day  of  march  next  at  nine  o  Clock  in 
the  foer  noon  Then  &  their  being  Duely  meet  &  formd  to 
act  on  The  folowing  articles     .... 

!'>■  to  Chuse  a  moderator  for  goverment  of  f  meeting 

2'>'  to  Chuse  Select  men  &  other  Towne  oficers  for  the 
year  Insuing 

8'>'  to  Raise  money  to  Repare  the  Roads  &  bridges  for 
the  year  Insuing  or  Vote  aney  thing  Refering  their  to  as 
They  shall  think  proper 

4'>'  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  axeept  of  the  Town  Treaf- 
urers  acounts  as  they  ftand  Setled  by  the  Select  men 

5'-^'  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  axeept  of  Such  Roads  as 
are  Laid  out  by  the  Select  men  or  their  order    .... 

6'-^'  to  make  provison  for  mr*^  Harts  Suport  the  3'ear 
Insuing 

Here  off  fale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant 
unto  Some  won  of  us  the  Subscribors  at  or  before  The 
Day  above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  and  Scale  this 
12  Da\-  of  Februery  and  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  his 
majests  Reign  A  D  1773 

rp,    ^  ^        n-       I   Select  men 
Tho"  Cowdm     \  r 

Amos  Kimball  (  t^-,   i  ,         , 
J  titchburgh 

[83]     Worceftr  fs 

In  obediance  to  this  warrant  I  have  warnd  all  the  free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitents  qualif\-d  by  Law  to  Vote  in 
Town  meetings  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  y^  meeting  house 
{^  Town  on  mond3'  the  first  Da^'  of  march  A  D  1773 

Soloman  Steward  C unstable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afsembled  march  the  1  1773 

Tho'*  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 


Town  of  Fitchbtu'gh.  85 

I'y  Chos  Cap*  David  Goodridge  moderator 
2'y  Chose  Thos  Cowdin  amos  Kimball  David  Good- 
ridge  Ebenezer  Woods  &  Ebenezer  Bridge  .  .  Select  men 
3'y  Chofe  Tho«  Cowdin  Town  Clerk  .  .  Town  Clerk 
4'5'  Chose  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Treafin-er  .  .  .  Town 
Treafurer 

5'y  Chose  Jofeph  Low  Constable Constabl 

6'y  The  Town  axcepted  of  Afe  Perrey  in  Jofeph  Lows 
Rume  as  a  hierd  man  in  f  Jofeph  Lows  Kume  to  serve  as 

Cunstable Cunstable 

7'-^'   Chose  Elijah  Carter  &  William  Thurlo     .    Wardens 
8'^    Chose    John     Thurston    &    Phinehas    Sawyer    J^ 
Tyethen  men 

9'-^'  Chose  Elijah  Gafield  John  Thurston  Jonathan  Wood 
Silos  Snow  &  m*"  Phinehas  Sawyer  &  Ebenezer  Woods  to 
be  Survaers  of  high  ways  and  also  Colectors  of  high  way 

Taxes Survars  of  high  ways 

lO'y   Chose  John  Bufs  &  Ruben  Smith     .     .     Der  Reves 
ll'y  Chose  Ruben  Gibson  Ju!l  &  Jofhua  Pare     .     .    fier 
wards 

12iy  Chose  Elijah  Gafield  &  Hezekiah  Hodgkins  .  Hog 
Reves 

13'y  Chose    Soloman    Steward    Survar    of   Clabord    & 

Shingels Clabords  &  Shingles 

14'>'     Chose    Jonathan     Wood     Survaer     of    hups    & 

Staves hupes  &  Staves 

15'y  Chose  David  Goodridge  &  Tho''  Cowdin  .  .  fence 
Vuers 

IG'-"^  Chose  William  Thurlo  ....  Sealer  of  Lether 
[84]  17'-^  Voted  &  Rased  Eighty  pounds  to  be 
workt  out  on  the  high  ways  and  that  fom  be  workt  out 
&  Completed  by  the  first  of  novembr  next  or  the  person 
or  prsons  Delinquant  in  Completing  his  or  their  part  in 
work  fhall  be  obliged  to  pay  the  whole  or  Rcmainding 
part  in    mone}'   to   the   Colctor    and    that    the    money    be 

workt  out  in  the  uesal  maner £80  0  U 

18'-^  Voted  that  all  the  old  furvacrs  that  have  not 
Completed  their  Coleton  in  work  are  orderd  by  the  Town 
of  fitchburgh  to  Se  that  they  Complet  by  the  Last  of  June 
next   or  to   Colect  the  moncv    that    Remains    from    those 


86  The  Old  Records  of  the 

persons    that    have  not    workt    out  their    part  by   the  f^ 
Last  of  June  and  pay  P'  mone  to  the  Town  Treasurer 

ID'-v  Chose  Amos  Kimball  Thos  Cowdin  &  David 
Ooodridge  to  be  a  Committe  to  Take  Care  of  Bridges  and 
Se  that  they  are  Repard     .... 

2()'>'  axccpted  of  the  Town  Treafurers  aCounts  and 
that  we  find  Remainding  in  m""  Witts  hands  twenty  ivight 
pounds  &   two  pene ^28  00  2 

We  also  find  Remainding  in  Soloman  Stewards  hands 
one  hundred  and  thirty  tw^o  pounds  ten  fhiHngs  &  three 
pence -132-10-3 

We  also  find  that  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Treafurer  hath 
paid  out  of  his  owne  money  over  &  above  what  he  hath 
Recevd  of  the  Cunstable  thirty  Six  pounds     .     .     £36  0-0 

21'y  axcepted  of  a  Two  Rod  Road  for  to  Conven  Oli- 
ver Stickne  &  Jofeph  Gray  &  Ephriam  marten  and  others 

22'y  axcepted  of  a  two  Rod  Road  for  to  Conven 
Samuel  Downes  &  other  provided  Jefse  french  &  Daniel 
Farwell  will  Give  the  Land  Where  f'^  Rod  Gows  through 
their  Land  and  not  other  ways     .... 

[85]  23'^  Voted  that  the  feflbrs  order  the  high  way  fur- 
vaers  to  work  on  the  Road  where  it  Gows  through  m""  Jedi- 
gidiah  Collens  Land  til  they  Com  to  Leominstor  Line 

24'y  Voted  and  axepted  of  the  Road  Through  Samuel 
Downes  Land  from  the  new^  Bridge  to  Joseph  Downes 
Land  and  the  Land  Given  by  mr  Samuel  Downe    .     .     . 

25^y  Voted  to  alter  the  Road  Through  Nichlos  Dan- 
forth  Land 

26'^'  Voted  to  alow  m''  Ifaiah  Witt  foure  pounds  ten 
Shilings  &  Eight  pene  to  board  rvV^  Hart  wone  whole  year 
&  so  in  proportion  in  Cafe  fhe  f hould  not  Live  til  the  3^ear 
is  Expird paid  --1  -  10  -  8 

27'y  Voted  that  the  Swine  Run  at  Large  being  yokt 
&  Ringd  acording  to  Law 

Fitchburgh  Februery  the  27  1773 

w-e  have  Laid  out  a  2  Rod  Road  begining  w'here  Jofeph 

Grays    &    Ephriam    martens    Corner    Jo\^ns    to    abraham 

Willards  Land  Runing  notherdly  as  the  Line  Runs  betwixt 

Jofeph  Gra3-s  &  Ephriam  martens  Land  the  2  Rods  for  the 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  87 

Road  taken  off  Ephriam  martens  Land  then  making  an 
angle  where  the  eorncr  of  Jofeph  Grays  &  Ephriam  mar- 
tens &  mofes  Worftrs  &  oliver  Stickncs  Land  all  meets  at 
one  Stake  &  Stones. 

*Then  Runing  Easterdly  as  the  Line  Runs  betwixt  Jo- 
feph Grays  Land  &  oliver  Sticknes  Land  til  it  Coms  to 
Land  Caled  the  Wido  Whitcombs  Land  and  the  Whole 
of  the  two  Roads  for  the  Road  taken  off  Jofeph  GraA's 
Land  —  then  Runing  EasterdU'  as  the  Line  Runs  be  Twixt 
Oliver  Sticknes  Land  &  the  Wido  Whitcombs  til  it  Coms 
to  Land  now  ownd  by  Tho*"  Carter  of  Lunenburgh  and 
the  Land  for  the  two  Rods  for  the  Road  taken  off  oliver 
Sticknes  Land  in  Cafe  the  hairs  of  the  Wido  Whitcomb 
will  not  give  the  one  half  for  the  Road  then  the  whole  of 

the  Road  to  be  Given  by  oliver  Stickne Then  Through 

f'^  Carters  Land  til  it  Coms  to  the  Town  Road  Laid  out 
Through  f  Carters  Land  when  ownd  by  Ezekel  Fouler 
which  was  Given  for  a  Town  Road  b3''  Ezekel  Fouler 

Thos  Cowdin     f  Select  men 
John  Thurston]  for 

Amos  Kimball  (Fitchburgh 

We  Each  of  us  Give  the  Land 

Ephraim  marten 
Jofeph  Gray 
Oliver  Stickne 

[80]  We  the  Subscribers  Select  men  for  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  herby  appoint  you  Samuel  Down  Silos  Snow 
&  Daniel  Farwell  to  be  a  Committe  to  Lae  out  a  Two 
Rod  Road  from  the  Town  Road  by  Daniel  Farwells 
through  1"''  Daniel  Farwells  Land  to  Land  of  Jefse  Frenches 
fo  through  f"^'  frenches  Land  to  Land  of  Samuel  Downes 
fo  through  f'l  Downes  Land  to  Land  of  Jofeph  Downes 
and  make  Return  to  the  Town  at  or  before  the  first  Da\' 
of  march  next 

Fitchburgh  Decembr  the  23  1772 

'11,   s  <'^      r        (Select  men 
1  ho'"  Cowdin  ^ 

for 


Amos  Kimball    )  ,,-,   ,  ,       , 
[  ritchbrgh 


*01d  location  road  now  called  Sheldon  Road.     [Annotation  on    the 

margin.     W.  .V.  I).] 


88  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Fitchburgh  Febuery  the  2cS  1773 
In  obedeanc  to  the  within  order  we  have  Laid  out  a 
two  Rod  Road  begining  at  a  Large  Rock  upon  the  north 
side  of  the  Town  Road  at  the  End  of  Daniel  Farwells 
Lane  Runing  northerdly  Through  P'  farwells  Land  til  it 
Corns  to  Land  of  Jefse  Frenchs  then  Turning  westerdly 
Through  1''  frenches  Land  to  the  River  where  the  new 
Bridge  is  Latly  Built  then  over  the  River  Through  Land 
of  Samuel  Downs  til  it  corns  to  Land  of  Jofeph  Downes  & 
markt  the  Trees  on  the  South  Sid  of  f'^  Road 

Silos  Snow         r 
Daniel  Farwell  <  Committe 
Samuel  Downe  [ 

To  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

Gentelmen  where  as  their  hath  bin  a  Road  Travled 
Through  my  Land  Leding  from  oliver  Davifes  Land  to 
Leomenstr  Line  which  Land  L^'ing  in  Fitchburgh  and  as 
the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  are  Defiros  that  there  Should  be 
a  Road  Laid  out  through  f'^  Land  of  myn  I  utterly  Re- 
fuse to  Give  the  Land  or  Consent  that  their  Should  be  a 
Road  Laid  out  and  axcepted  by  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burgh &c 

[87]  But  I  herby  promis  and  Ingage  that  all  persons 
having  aney  ocasion  to  Travel  Through  that  part  of  my 
Land  may  pafs  &  Re  pafs  and  that  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burgh may  from  Tme  to  Tim  and  at  all  Times  Repare 
the  Road  where  it  is  now  Traveled  at  their  own  Expence 
when  They  think  proper  from  This  Time  til  I  forbid  their 
Traveling  or  Reparing  F  Road  as  witnes  my  hand  This 
Twelfth  Da\'  Februery  ano  Domony  1778     .     .     . 

N  B  Gentelmen  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  I  meene 
to  Give  this  privelige  with  out  ane  cost  to  {^  Town  of 
Fitchburgh 

Jedidah  Collins 

Teft    Thos  Cowdin    |    ^^^""^^ 

Amos  Kimball  1  y^-,   ,  ,         t- 
[  l^itchburgh 

The  Town  oficers  Chofen  into  Town  ofice  Tuck  the 
othes  Requird  by  Law  Sworn  by  the  Town  Clerk 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  89 

The  meeting  Defolved   David   Goodridge  moderator 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

[8<S]  octobr  the  25  1773 

(Scale)  Worceftr  fs  To  mr  afa  Perrey  Cunltable  for 
the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

In  His  majesties  name  you  are  Rec[uird  to  warne  all 
the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  qualifyd  by  Law  to 
Vote  in  Town  afares  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting 
house  on  monda\'  the  twenty  fifth  Da}-  of  this  Ini'tant 
octobr  at  one  o  clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  their  lieing 
Duelj'  meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles  that 
is  first  to  Chuse  a  moderator  for  the  Goverment  of  P' 
meeting 

2'-^'  to  Rafe  money  to  pa}''  the  Revrent  m""  John  Pa^'son 
his  Salary  for  the  year  1773 

3'-'''  to  Rafe  money  to  provide  a  Scool  or  Scools  or 
Vote  anev  thing  Refering  their  to  as  they  Shall  think 
proper 

4'>  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  provide 
m*"  Paysons  Wood  the  year  Infuing 

5'>'  to  have  all  thofe  persons  that  have  Done  serves  for 
the  Town  bring  in  their  acounts  and  Rafe  money  to  pay 
the  fame 

6'^  to  Rafe  money  to  pay  the  Towns  Conimittes  for 
Rulding  the  Bridges  the  year  paft     .... 

7'^'  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  axept  of  what  the  Towns 
Committe  hath  Done  in  Deviding  the  quarters  of  the  Town 
in  order  for  Keeping  a  Scool  or  Scools  and  \'ote  aney  thing 
Refering  there  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

Here  off  fale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
Sume  one  of  us  the  the  Subscribors  at  or  be  fore  the  Day 
above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seals  this  Bighth 
Day  of  octobr  A  D  1773  and  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  his 
majests  Rigne 

Thos  Cowdin 
Amos  Kimball 
David  Goodridge 


Select  men 
for 


David  Goodndge  I  t^-^  ,  i         i 

T-i  At'       r        ritehl)urgh 

rvbcnc/.er  W  oods  ° 


90  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Worccftr  fs  In  obcdiance  to  the  within  written  War- 
rant I  have  warnd  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  to  meet  at  Time  and 
plaee  within  mentned 

Fitchburgh  octobr  the  25  1773 

Afa  Perry   Cunstable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
iMtchburgh  afembled  octobr  the  25  Day  A  D  1773 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

l'>'   Chofe  Cap*^  David  Goodridge  moderator    .     .     . 
2^y  Voted   to  Rase  Sixty   Six  pounds  thirteen  Shilings 

and  for  pene  to  to  pay  m''  Pa3'son  his  Salore}-  .  ^66  13  —  4 
3'-^'  Voted  to  Rafe  twenty  pounds  for  a  Scool  .  20  0  0 
4'y  Voted  and  Chofe  Kindall  Boutall  Phinehas  Sawyer 

and   Ifaac  Gibson  be  a  Committe  to  provide  a  Scool  or 

Scools  and   that  the  Scool   mone\^   be  Laid  out  as  it  was 

Last  year 

[89]     5^y    Voted   that  Infm  Jonathan   Wood   find  and 

provide  thirty   Coards  of  Good   wood   for  m''  Payson  for 

one  whole  year  from   the  first   Day  of  Decembr  next   and 

bring  f'  thirty  coards  of  wood  to  m*"  Paysons  house   and 

that  the  Town  pay  f'^  Wood  for  the  thirty  Coard  of  wood 

foure  pounds ^4  0  0 

6'^    Voted    to    aloue    Decon    Kimball    his 

a  Count paid  00  10-0  p^ 

7'-^'    Voted    to    pa}^     Jofeph    Sawyer     his 

acount pd  00  14  4  p"^ 

8'y    Voted  to  aloue  Jofeph  Fox  his  acount    paid     1     6  0 

9>>-    Voted    to    aloue    Eph™    Kimball     his 

acount paid  00  18-3  pd 

10'-^'    Voted    to    aloue     Ifaiah     Witt     his 

a  Count paid  00     7  4  p'' 

11'-''    Voted  to   aloue  Cap*^  Goodridge  his 

a  Count paid  00     3  0  p'l 

12'>-    Voted    to    aloue    Thos    Cowdin    his 

acount paid     1  17-6  pd 

13'y  Voted  to  aloue  the  Towns  Com- 
mitte for  Bulding  and  mending  the 
Bridges paid  44  2  10 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  91 

Voted  to  Rase  ten  pounds  to  Defra  Town 

Charges 10     0  O 

14iy    Voted    to    aloue    James    Gray     his 

acount paid  00     2  5  pd 

15'y     Voted    not    ot    axepte  of  the    Towns    Commites 
Report  in  quartring  the  Scols 
Voted  The  meeting  Disolvd 

David  Goodridg  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

Decembr  the  1   1773 

(Seal)  Worccfter  fs  To  mr  afa  Perry  Cunstable  for  the 
of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

In  his  majestys  name  you  are  hereby  Required  to  Warne 
all  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  c[ualli- 
fyed  b}-^  Law  to  Vote  in  Town  afares  to  afsemble  and  meet 
at  the  meeting  house  on  Wensday  the  first  Day  of  Decem- 
ber next  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their 
being  Dueh^  meet  and  formd  to  to  act  on  the  folowing 
articles 

I'y  to  Chueic  a  moderator  for  the  Goverment  of  faid 
meeting 

2'>'  Rase  mouN-  to  Defray  the  Town  Charges  to  be 
afsefsed  the  prefent  year 

3'y  to  See  Whether  the  Town  will  Take  aney  notis  of 
the  Letrs  Sent  to  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  by  the  Town 
Clerk  of"  Bofton  or  vote  anc}-  thing  Refering  there  to  as 
they  Shall  think  proper 

Here  of  fale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
Sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  above  mentncd  (liven 
under  our  hand  and  Scale  this  fifteenth  DaN'  of  novembr 
and  in  the  fourteenth  year  of  his  majestys  Reign  A  D  1773 

Thos  Cowdin 
Amos  Kimball 
Eben^    Woods 
Eben*;    Bridge 


Select 

men  for 

Fitchburgh 


[i)OJ  Worcefter  fs  In  obedianc  to  the  within  written 
warrant  I  have  warned  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
I''itch1)urgh  to  meet  at  time  and  place  within  mentioned 

I-'itchburgh  Decembr  the  1  1773  Afa  Perry  Cunstable 


92  The  Old  Records  of  the 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  iMtchburgh  afseni1)led  Decembr  the  1  1773 

Tho^  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

l'>    Chofe  Ifaac  Gibson  moderator    .     .     . 

2'>'  Kaifcd  Sixty  fouer  pounds  to  Defray  the  Town 
Charges  £64  1  8 

a'>'  Voted  to  act  on  the  Letters  or  Requests  of  the 
Town  of  Bofton  Sent  to  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh     .     .     . 

4'y  Chofe  Ifaac  Gibson  Cap<^  Ruben  Gibson  Phinehas 
Hartwell  Ebenezer  Woods  Kindall  Boutall  Ebenezer  Bridg 
Soloman  Steward  to  be  a  Committe  to  Draw  up  and 
Report  to  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  a  Draft  of  our  Rights 
&  privligs  as  free  members  of  Sofiet^'^ :  In  order  to  make 
Return  to  the  Town  of  Bofton  or  to  the  Committe  of 
Correfpond'^  at  Bofton 

5'y  Votted  that  this  meeting  be  a  Jurned  to  the  fif- 
teenth Day  of  this  Inftant  Decembr  at  one  0  Clock  in  the 
after  noon 

6'y  Decembr  the  15  1773  the  Town  being  meet  b\'  an 
a  Jurnment 

the  Report  being  Red  and  axcepted  b^^  the  Town  Voted 
that  the  Report  be  Recorded  in  the  Town  Book  of  Records 

7'y  Votted  that  y'^  Report  conserning  Late  Troble  at 
Bofton  ocasioned  hy  the  Late  teas  being  brot  fubject  to  a 
Duty  payd  in  this  Coloney  and  Landed  be  Returnd  to  the 
Committe  of  Coryspond  at  Boston 

8^y  Votted  that  the  Town  Clerk  Give  an  attested  coppy 
to  the  {^  Commitee  to  be  Communicated  to  the  Commitee 
for  the  Town  of  Bofton  Decembr  the  15  1773 

Ifaac  Gibson   moderator 
Tho**  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

At  a  Legal  Town  meeting  in  Fitchburgh  on  the  first 
Day  of  Decembr  1773  In  order  to  Take  into  Confideration 
the  letters  of  Corrafpondenc}-  from  the  Town  of  Bofton: 
the  Town  made  Choice  of  m''  Ifaac  Gibson  as  moderator 
for  the  Goverment  of  f*^  meeting  .  .  Then  f*^  Letors  ware 
Red  before  the  Town:  &  after  the  Town  had  Dilibrated 
there  on  with  Zeal  and  candor  unanasmly  agreed  to  Chues 
a  Committe  of  Seven  men  &  Chose  m''  Ifaac  Gibson 
Cap"^  Ruben  Gibson  mefsceurs  Phinehas  Hartwell  Ebenezer 


Jt 


'"V'/'^"'  '''yiy>,'2f  ^■^y,l^'^  ^  ^^  ^^v/^-'x/^^^^  ^^.Ji^,iu^,  ;>^/5?l  J^r  ..X 

V/''^'-^^  ^«^.y^^  r,,,/Z,-,.^4^/>     .    ^.,- ;   /,  .  . 


Toivn  of  Fitchbtirgh.  93 

Woods  Ebenezer  Bridge  Kindall  Boutall  Solomon  Steward 
as  a  Committe  to  eonflder  of  our  Conftitutinal  Rights  and 
previlegas  in  common  with  other  Towns  in  this  provanc 
to  gether  with  the  maney  flagrant  Infringements  that 
have  been  made  thereon  and  to  report  at  the  Adjorn- 
ment  and  then  the  Meeting  was  adjornd  to  the  fifteenth 
Inftant  .  .  At  a  legol  Adeeting  of  the  Freeholders  & 
other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  on  Wednes- 
day the  fifteenth  of  Decembr  1773  [*)1]  by  Adjornment 
from     the    first    Inftant    the    Committee    reported     as    fol- 

loweth 

Having  with  Great  Satiffaction  perused  the  circular 
Letters  from  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  for  the 
Town  of  Boston  wherein  are  so  clearly  held  forth  our 
Rights  &  Privilidgs  as  English-men  &  Christians  and  alio 
a  List  of  the  many  Infringements  that  have  been  made 
Thereon  which  Letters  of  Correfpondence  we  highly  apjjove 
of  &  unanimously  consent  unto  and  refolvd  to  stand  fast 
in  the  Liberty  and  Rights  where  with  our  Gracious  Sov- 
ereign Kings  have  made  us  free  by  an  undeniable  Charter 
&  Decree  from  them  their  Heirs  &  Succefsors  for  ever  — 
And  we  are  fully  perswaded  that  Liberty  is  a  most  i)reas- 
ous  Gift  of  God  our  Creator  to  all  Mankind  and  is  of 
fuch  a  Nature,  that  no  Person  or  Community-  can  Justly 
part  with  it,  and  consequently  no  Man  or  Number  of 
Men  can  have  a  Right  to  exercife  Defpotism  or  Tyrannc}- 
over  their  Fellow  Creatures;  and  to  save  us  from  such 
extreme  Wrctchednefs  we  believe  the  Vigilance  &  combin,d 
Endeavors  of  this  People  are  necefsary  and  we  hope 
through  the  favor  of  divine  Providence  will  be  Effect urd  ; 
And  we  think  it  our  indifpensable  Put}-  as  Men,  English- 
men and  Christians  to  make  the  most  publick  Declaration 
in  our  Power  on  the  Side  of  Liberty  we  have  indeed  an 
Ambition  to  be  known  to  the  World  and  to  Posteritv  as 
Frends  to  Liberty,  And  we 

*  [Think  it  our  Duty  on  this  Occafion  in  Hehall"  of  Our- 
selves   and    our    dear    Country    to    cx])refs    our    unfcigMcd 

*a  mistake  from   this  mark     [A   marginal  note,  referring  to  the  mat- 
ter ciuloscd  in  l)rackcts. — \V.  A.  D.] 


94  The  Old  Records  of  the 

(iratitude  to  the  Respectable  (ientlcmen  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  for  the  Litj^ht  &  Counsel  that  they  have  ])resented 
to  us  in  their  Circular  Letters  &  their  many  generous 
Efforts  in  tiie  Defence  of  our  Previledges,  &  in  the  Cause 
of  Liberty  &  in  our  earneft  Prayers  to  Almighty  God 
that  they  may  be  animmated  Still  to  proceed,  &  prosper  in 
fnch  a  Noble  tK:  Oenerous  Defign,  &  finally  may  they 
receive  the  moste  Ample  &  durable  Reward  .  .  .  And 
that  these  Kefolves  be  recorded  in  our  Town  Book  of 
Records,  &  that  the  Town  Clerk  Give  an  attested  Copy 
to  the  f  Committee  to  be  communicated  to  the  Commit- 
tee of  Correfpondence  for  the  Town  of  Boston  .     . 

And  with  Respect  to  the  East  Indea  Tea  —  For  as 
much  as  we  are  now  inform, d  that  the  Town  of  Boston 
&  the  Neighboureng  Towns  have  made  such  Noble  Oppo- 
siton  to  {^  Tea  being  brought  into  Boston  Subject  to  a 
Dut}'  so  derectly  tending  to  the  Enslaving  of  America  It 
is  our  Opinion  that  your  Opposition  is  Just  &  equitable 
and  the  people  of  this  Town  are  ready  to  afford  all  Afsist- 
ance  in  their  ])ower  to  keep  off  all  such  Infringement] 

defire  to  use  all  proper  Means  in  our  Contracted  Sphere 
to  promote  it  and  we  are  necefsitated  to  veiue  the  Ene- 
mias  of  Liberty,  as  Enemias  of  our  lawfull  Sovreign 
King  George  &  his  Illew^strious  Family,  beause  Tyianny 
&  Slavery  are  fundementally  repugnant  to  the  Britefh 
Constitution ;  But  in  declaring  our  present  Thoughts  & 
Refolutions,  we  are  mov,d  by  a  principle  of  Humanity  & 
Benevolence  to  the  people  of  Brittain,  whose  Happinefs  is 
so  involved  with  ours,  that  the  Opprefssors  and  Depreda- 
tions indued  on  us  b\'  tyrannical  Governments  must  be 
efsentialK'  detrementol  to  Them  we  therfor  [92]  earnestly 
supplicate  the  Deity  to  preferve  them  from  polilical  Leth- 
argy &  so  from  the  most  shamfull  &  miserable  Bondage 
and  we  are  fond  of  having  our  little  obscure  Names  afsoci- 
ated  with  our  American  Brethren  as  Instreements  in  the 
hand  of  God,  to  save  Brittain  from  that  compleat  Diftruc- 
tion  which  is  now  meditating,  and  is  visibly  impending; 
we  wifh  therefore  our  Country  men  to  Join  with  us  in 
praying  for  a  Spirit  of  Reformation,  on  the  Inhabitants 
both  of  England  &  America  because   Reighteousnefs  is  the 


Tow7i  of  Fitchbiirgh.  95 

Exaltation  and  Glory  of  any  Society  —  And  \vc  humbly 
hope  that  our  being  so  late  in  giving  our  Sentiments  upon 
Affairs  so  deeply  interesting  to  the  American  Colonies  in 
general,  and  to  this  Provience  in  ])articular,  will  not  be 
imputed  to  our  being  unaffected  with  the  alarming  cS: 
unconstetutonal  Incroachments  that  have  been  made  upon 
our  civel  Rights  &  Priviliges;  for  we  afsure  you.  we  will 
not  be  wanting  at  all  Times  according  to  our  Small 
Abelity  in  procuring  &  promoting  all  lawl'ull  ^v:  constitu- 
tional Measures,  proper  for  the  Continuance  of  all  our 
Rights  &  Privelidgcs  both  civil  &  religious;  And  we  think 
it  our  Duty  on  this  Occafion  in  Behalf  of  Our  selves,  and 
our  dear  Cuntry  to  exprefs  our  unfeigned  Gratitude  to  the 
Respectable  Gentlemen  of  the  Town  of  Bofton  for  the 
Light  &  Counsel  that  they  have  presented  to  us  in  their 
Cercular  Letters  &  their  many  (rcnerous  F,fforts  in  the 
Defence  of  our  Privelcdges  <!<:  in  the  Cause  of  Liberty  <S: 
in  our  earnest  Prayers  to  Almiglit\'  God  that  they  may 
be  animated  still  to  proceed,  &  ])rosper  in  such  a  Noble  ^i: 
Generous     Defign,    &    finallv    may     they     recive    the    mcjst 

Ample  &   Durable  Reward And   that   these    Refolves  b 

recorded  in  our  Town  Book  of  Records,  t\:  that  the  Town 
Clerk  Give  an  attested  Coi)y  to  the  f  Committee  to  be 
communicated    to    the    Committee    of   Corrcf])()ii(]cncc    for 

the  Town  of  Bofton 

And  with  Refpect  to  the  Hast  Indy  Tea  Por  as  much 
as  we  are  now  informd  that  the  Town  of  Bofton  &  the 
Neighbouring  Towns  have  made  Such  Noble  Opposition  to 
f''  Teas  being  brought  into  Boston  Sul)ject  to  a  Duty  so 
derectly  tending  to  the  li^nslaving  of  America  It  is  our 
Opinion  that  your  Opposition  is  Just  &  ecpiitable  and  the 
Pcojile  of  this  Town  are  ready  to  afford  all  the  Afsistance 
in  their  power  to  Kecj)  off  all  such  Infringements 

Tho"*  Cowdin    Towji  Clerk 

[D.'i]  .    March  the   1    177f 

(Scale)  Worccfter  Is  To  mr  Ala  Perry  cunstabic  for 
the  Town  of  Pitchburgh  Greeting 

In  his  majesties  name  you  are  Recpiird  to  warne  all 
the  tree  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  I'itch- 
burgh  qualify d  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town  afarcs  to  afsend}lc 


9H  The  Old  Records  of  the 

and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  on  monday  the  Seventh 
Dav  of  mareh  next  at  nine  ()  Cloek  in  the  foure  noon  then 
and  their  being  Duely  met  and  formd  to  act  on  the  folow- 
ing  articles 

!'>■   to  chues  a  moderator  for   (ioverment  of  f«'  meeting 

2'>  Chuese  Select  men  and  other  Town  oficers  for  the 
year  Insuing 

3'>'  to  Raise  money  to  mend  the  Roads  &  bridges  the 
year  Insuing  and  Vote  aney  thing  Referring  there  to  as 
they  fhall  think  proper 

4-'>  to  See  if  the  Town  will  axcept  of  Such  Roads  as 
fhall  be  Laid  out  by  the  Select  men  or  their  order    .     .     . 

5'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Discontinue  the  Road  Laid 
from  mr  Nehemiah  fullers  to  the  old  Road  by  mr  afa 
Perry s  house 

6'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  abate  fuch  Rates  as  fhall 
be  Laid  before  the  Town 

7'>'  to  Raife  mone\'  to  fuport  m'^'^  Hart  or  Vote  ane}- 
thing  Refering  there  to  as  they  fhall  think  proper    .     .     . 

8'>  to  Se  if  the  Town  will  axcept  of  the  Town  Treaf- 
urers  acounts  as  they  Stand  Setled  by  the  Select  men     .     . 

Here  of  fale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  Avarrant  to 
Sume  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  above  raentned  Given 
under  our  hands  &  Scale  this  twent}'  first  Day  of  Febru- 
ary- and  in  the  fourteenth  yeare  of  our  Sovrin  King  George 
the  third  A  D  1774 

Thos  Cowdin        ] 
David  Goodridge  |        Select 
Amos  Kimball       ^     men  for 
Ebenezer  Woods      Fitchburgh 
Ebenezer  Bridge 

Worceftr  fs  In  obediance  to  the  within  warrant  I  have 
warned  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  by  Poasting  a  warning  up  at  the  meeting  hous 
Door 

Fitchburgh  march  the  4-  1774       Afa  Perry  Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afembled  march  the  7  1774 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 


Towti  of  Fitchburg/i.  97 

[94]     firfth'  Chofe  Decon  ainos  Kimball  moderator    .     . 

2'-^  Voted  to  Chues  five  Select  men     .     .     . 

3'y  Chofe  Ifaac  Gibson  &  Ebenezer  Woods  &  Phinehas 
Hartwel  and  James  Poole  and  Jofeph  Walker  Select  men 

4'y  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk     .     .     Town  Clerk 

5'y  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Treafurer  .  .  .  Town 
Treafurer 

6'y  Chofe  Kindall  Boutall  for  the  fouth  lide  of  the 
Town  and 

7'-^'  Ebenezer  Bridge  for  the  north  (ide  Cunstables  .  Cun- 
stable 

8'-^'  Chofe  Elijah  (iafield  &  Solonian  Steward    .    Wardens 

9'-^  Chose  Daniel  Farwelland  maximilion  Jewitt  .  Tythen 
men 

10'-^  Chose  John  Bufs  Zacriah  Whitney  Samuel  Parce 
&  Kindall  Boutall  &  Ruben  Smith  and  Jonathan  Page  & 
Jonathan  Hunt  Survaers  of  high  ways  and  that  the  high 
way  Taxes  be  workt  out  in  the  uesal  maner  and  that  the 
Survaers  be  Colectors  to  Colect  the.  taxs  .  .  .  Survaers 
of  high  ways 

11'-^  Chose  Xichlos  Danforth  and  Jofluui  Parce  to  be 
Deere  Reves 

12'>'  Chose  John  Bufs  and  Ebenezer  Thurften  to  be  .  her 
wards 

13'>'  Chose  David  Parce  &  Ruben  Gibson  JuL  and  John 
Carter  and  Jonathan  Cummins  and  Jonathan  Holt  Hog 
Reves 

14'>'  Chose  Soloman  Steward  to  be  Survaer  of  Shingels 
&  Clabords Shingels  &  Clabords 

15'-^'  Chofe  Jonathan  Wood  Survaer  of  hops  and 
Staves     Suvar  of  hoops  &  Staves 

!()'>■  Chofe  Caj)*^  David  Goodridge  &  Thos  Cowdin  fens 
Vuers fens  Vuers 

17'-''   Chose  William    Tliurlo    Scaler  of  Lether  Scaler 

of  Lether 

[!).">]  18'>"  Raifcd  Eighty  Pounds  to  mend  the  high 
ways  &  that  fuin  be  work  out  in  the  fame  maner  as  Last 
year -SO  0  0 

11)'>  Chofe  Jonathan  Wood  and  Jofeph  Walker  <!<:  Decon 
Amos  Kimball  to  be  a  Committe  to  take  Care  of  the 
7 


98  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Bridges  the  year    Insuing  and    to   Repair  or  buiekl  as  they 
judge  most  for  the  Intrest  of  the  Town     .     .     . 

2()'>'  axepted  of  a  bridel  Road  begining  at  Thos  Cow- 
dins  house  through  f''  Cowdins  Land  til  it  Corns  to  the 
Gate  then  through  m""  Jofeph  Lows  Land  til  it  Corns  to  m"" 
Lows  house  then  turns  and  Runs  through  f''  Land  by  his 
barn  til  it  Corns  to  Land  of  Thos  Cowdins  that  f'^  Cowdin 
bought  of  Colo"  William  Brown  of  Salom  and  the  the 
privlige  of  a  bridel  Road  Given  by  {^  Low  and  f''  Cowdin 
with  out  aney  charge  to  the  Town 

2V^  axepted  of  a  2  Road  Road  begining  at  John  Car- 
ters Land  Runing  from  f*'  Carters  Land  through  mr  Ezra 
Uptons  Land  til  it  Corns  to  the  County  Road  and  axepted 
of  the  Road  upon  the  Towns  Cost  provided  that  m""  Ezra 
Upton  will  not  Give  the  Land  for  P'  Road  and  markt  the 
trees  on  the  fouth  fide  of  f*^^  Road 

22'y  axepted  of  a  2  Road  Road  begining  at  the  Line 
betyen  Phnihas  Browns  Land  and  Nathan  Badcoks  Land 
Runing  through  f*^  Badcocks  Land  til  it  Coras  to  the  Cor- 
ner of  Jonathan  Pages  Land  where  m''  Andrew  Olivers 
Land  Joyns  to  f^  Jonathen  Pages  Land  one  Rod  on  m'' 
Olivers  Land  &  one  Rod  on  Jonathan  Pages  Land  til  it 
Corns  to  the  Corner  be  twixt  Jonathan  Page  and  abraham 
farwell  Land  and  markt  the  trees  on  the  fouth  fide  of  f^ 
Road  and  axeepted  of  f*^  Road  if  the  Land  is  Given  b}^ 
the  owners  of  the  Land 

Thos  Cowdin 
Amos  Kimball 
David  Goodridge 
Ebenezer  Woods 
Ebenezer  Bridge 

[96]  23'-^  Voted  not  to  Discontinue  the  Road  Leding 
from  m*"  Nehemiah  Fullers  by  mr  afa  Per3^s  house 

24'y  Voted  to  abated  francis  FuUams  funs  Pole  Tax  in 
m*"  Ifaac  Gibsons  List  for  the  year  1767  being  one  pound 
two  fhilings  and  nine  pene pd  1  2  9 

25^y  abated  Jacob  Gibfons  Rats  in  mr  afa  Perrys  List 
which  is  Eighteen  fhilings  &  fix  pene    .     .     .     .     pd  U  18  6 

26'-^  Voted  to  allow  maximilion  Jewett  five  pounds 
foure  fhilings  for  boarding  m""^  Hart  one  whole  year  and 
so  in  proporton  in  Cafe  fhe  fhould  not  Live  one  whole 
year ^5-4-0  p? 


Select  men 
for  Fitchburgh 


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Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  99 

27'-^  Voted  and  axepted  of  Phinehas  Sawyer  jET  to 
ferve  Cunstable  in  Kindall  Boutalls  and  Ebenezer  Bridges 
Kume  or  ftead 

28'>'  Voted  and  axepted  of  the  Town  Treafurers  a 
Counts  as  the^-  ftand  fetled  by  the  Select  men  &c 

Fitchburgh  February  the  21  1774  Then  Recnd  with 
Thos  Cowdin  Tt)wn  Treafurer  and  we  find  Due  in  mr 
Soloman  Stewards  hands  forty  tiiree  jiounds  three  fhil- 
ings  &  ten  penc  one  farthen ^43  :  3  :  10  :  1 

we  also  find  in  m''  afa   Perry s  hands     .     155  :  4  -  0 

we  also  find  that  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Treafurer  hath 
paid  over  and  a  bove  what  he  hath  Recv''  oi"  the  Cunsta- 
bles 5  18  8  3 

The  meeting  Disolved 

Amos  Kimball  moderator 

and  the  Town  oficers  tuck   the  oaths   Requird  by  Law 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

[*.>7j  Lunenburgh  may  the  20  1774  Dr  John  Taylor 
Sir  as  3'ou  Chofen  by  the  Town  of  Lunenburg  &  Fitch- 
burgh  to  Reprefent  them  in  the  Grat  &  General  Court 
for  the  prefent  year  —  we  think  it  our  Duty  under  the 
prefent  alarming  Circumstances  of  publick  affairs  to  Give 
the  following  Instructions)  —  Viz  that  you  bare  Due 
Teftimony  against  all  Riotous  pratices  and  all  other 
unconftitutional  proceedings  and  that  you  do  not  by 
aney  means  whatfoever  either  directh*  or  indirectly  Give 
up  aney  of  our  Charter  rights  &  priveliges  and  that  3'ou 
ufe  your  Pvndeavors  that  those  that  we  have  been  abridged 
of  may  be  reftored  to  us  &  that  you  use  your  Influence 
that  provision  be  made  for  the  discountenancing  all  un 
warrantable  practices  with  Refpect  to  bribery  in  tliofe 
that  Set  them  Selves  up  as  Candidates  for  Representa- 
tives for  the  people  either  by  the  way  ot  Treats  or  Enter- 
tainments which  may  have  liin  too  frequant  a  ])ractice  in 
mau}^  places  &  further  we  would  have  you  move  in  the 
General  affembly  tliat  there  might  be  a  Congrels  and 
union  with  all  the  ])rovinces  &  in  cafe  aney  thing  Ex- 
traordinary fhould  ha])pen  or  appear  that  you  fhould 
immcdiatelv    notiiv    vour    Conftituants ;    there   arc   manev 


100  The  Old  Records  of  the 

tliin^^s  of  Lcfser  Importance  that  we  must  Leave  Discre- 
tionary with  your  Self  Trufting  that  you  will  Often  Re- 
volve in  your  mind  how  Grate  a  Truft  is  Devolved  upon 
you  &  that  you  Give  Conftante  attendance  So  fare  as  you 
are  able  to  the  businefs  to  which  you  are  appointed  &  we 
hope  that  you  will  be  actuated  by  a  Spirit  of  Impar- 
tiality free  from  privat  Views  and  Sinister  Endes  —  &  that 
the  above  be  Recorded  in  the  Records  of  the  Towns  of 
Lunenburgh  &  Fitchburgh 

William  Stearns 

George  Kimball 

Ifaac  Gibson  \  Committe 

Phinehas  Hartwell 

John  Fuller 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[98]  October  the  4  1774 

(Scale)  Worcefter  Is  To  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju^  Cun- 
ftable  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting     .     .     . 

In  his  majestis  name  you  are  Requird  to  warne  all  the 
free  holders  &  other  Inhabitance  of  the  town  of  Fitchburgh 
qualified  b3^  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to  Afsemble  and 
meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  Fitchburgh  on  Tuefday  the 
fourth  Day  of  October  next  att  nine  o  clock  in  the  foer 
noon  then  and  their  being  Duly  meet  and  formd  to  act  on 
the  following  articles 

I'y  to  Chufe  a  moderator  to  govern  f"^  meeting    .     .     . 

2'y  to  vote  mr  Payfons  Salery 

3'y  to  Raife  money  to  provide  Schooling    .     .     . 

4^y  to  See  what  meathod  the  Town  will  provide  wood 
for  mr  Payson 

5'y  to  fee  if  the  Town  will  allow  the  Committes 
acoumpts  for  building  the  new  Bridge 

6'>'  to  Raife  money  for  building  s'^  Bridg  and  other 
nefsefary  Charges 

7'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  acxept  the  Report  of  the 
Committe  Chofen  to  Recon  with  the  Town   Treafurer     .     . 

8'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Chufe  a  committe  to  Pro- 
vide Schooling  or  act  anything  Refering  their  to     .     .     . 

9'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  acxept  of  aney  acounts 
for  Servies  Doun  for  f  Town 


Town  of  FitcJibiirgJi.  101 

lO'y  to  See  if  Towne  will  Chuse  a  Committe  to  attende 
the   Provenfhall   Convention   at   Concord  on  the  2  Tufday 

in  October     

Here  of  faile  not  &  make  Due  Retvirn  of  your  Doings 
here  on  to  furn  one  of  us  on  or  before  the  above  Day 
Given  under  our  hands  and  Seals  this  fourteenth  Daj'  of 
Septembr  A  D  1774  and  in  the  14  year  of  his  majestis  Regn 
ll'y  Notice  is  herb}^  Given  to  the  Company  in  This 
Town  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in 
Fitchburgh  on  Tuesday  the  4  Day  of  octobr  next  at  one 
o  clock  in  the  after  noon  to  Chufe  officers  for  f'^  Town  & 
Company  of  Traning  Solders 

Jofcph  Walker 

James  Pool  Select 

Ifaac  Gibson  ,     men  for 

Phinehas  Hartwell     Fitchburgh 
Ebenel    Woods 

[99]     Worcefter  fs   octobr  the  4  1774 

by  vertiue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  Free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
qualifid  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings,  to  meet  at 
the  time  and  place  as  is  within  pur  fixt     .     .     . 

Phinehas  Saw\^er  Ju*;    Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afsembled  October  the  4  A  D  1774 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y  Voted  and  Chofe  Capt  David  Goodridge  moderator 

2'^'  voted  to  Rase  fixty  fix  pounds  thirteen  fhilings  and 
foure  penc  to  pay  mr  John  Payson  his  Salor}'  the  year 
past -66  13  4 

3iy  voted  to  Rase  twenty  pounds  to  provide  a  Scool, 
and  to  ad  what  Scool  mone^^  Remains  A'et  not  Laid  out 
that  was  Raised  the  Last  ^^ear  to  the  twenty  pounds  now 
Raisd  to  be  Laid  out  in  providing  a  Scool  or  Scools     20  0  0 

4'>'  voted  &  Chose  Cap*  David  Goodridge  &  Cap*^ 
Ruben  Gibson  Ebenezer  Woods  &  Jofeph  Policy  &  Dccon 
Amos  Kimball  to  be  a  Committe  to  provide  a  Scool  marf- 
ter  or  marfters 


102  The  Old  Records  of  the 

5'J'  voted  that  the  Scool  money  be  Laid  out  as  it  was 
Last  year 

6'y  voted  that  Koj^cr  Biglo  find  &  provide  thirty 
Coards  of  Good  wood  for  the  Revrant  mr  John  Payson 
won  whole  year  begining  at  the  first  Day  of  December 
next,  the  wood  is  to  be  Corded  up  at  mr  Paysons  house 
a  Cording  to  Law  and  that  the  Town  pay  Roger  Bigelo 
for  f'>  wood ^4:  14:  8: 

7'-^  voted  and  axcepted  of  the  Towns  Committes 
acounts  for  Building  the  Bridg  Caled  Cap*  Goodridges 
Bridg  which  is  fourty  pounds  17  fhilings   .    ^40  17  0  paid 

8^y  Raised  fourty  pounds  17/  to  pay  for  Building  the 
bridge 

9'y  voted  and  axepted  of  the  Town  Treafurers  a  Counts 
as  they  Stand  Setled  by  the  Towns  Committe,  that  is  we 
find  Due  in  mr  Soloman  Stewards  hands  .     .     -33  2  5 

we  also  find   Due  in  m""  Afe  Perres   hands     .     .     94  5  8 

lO'y  voted  and  acxepted  of  Cap*  David  Goodridgs 
a  Count  which  is 00  3  0  p^ 

ll'y  voted  and  acxepted  of  Thos  Cowdins  a  Count 
which   is 1  5  0  p^^ 

12'^'  voted  and  alowd  Kindall  Boutall  his  a  Count 
which  is 1  10  0  p^ 

13'y  voted  and  alowed  Ebenezer  Woods  his  a  Counts 
which  is 1  10  0  pd 

14'y  voted  and  alowed  Ifaac  Gibson  his  acount  for 
taking  care  of  Edward  Scoot  which  is    .     .     .     .    2  8  0  p"? 

[100]  15'y  voted  to  Chuefe  a  Committe  to  attend 
the  proventall  Congrafs  at  Concord  the  2  tuesda3^  of 
October  Inftant 

\&y  voted  and  Chofe  Cap*^  David  Goodridge  to  Joyn 
the  Congrafs  at  Concord 

17'y  voted  thatt  all  the  quarters  of  the  Town  that 
Dont  See  that  their  part  of  the  Scool  money  that  is  not 
Scooled  out  within  the  ^-ear  be  Returnd  in  to  the  Towns 
Stoke 

IS'y  voted  to  pay  the  Select  men  for  providing  the 
Town  with  powder  &  Led  &  flints  their  acount  which 
is £14  4  0 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  103 

19'y    voted    &     Rase    five    pounds    to    Defray    Town 
Charges 500 

20'>"     Total     Sum     voted     and    Raised     by    the    Town 
is £158  5  0 

The  meeting  Desolved    David  Good  ridge  moderator 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Saw^'er  JuT  Cun- 
stable  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting     .... 

In  His  majeftyes  name  you  are  Required  to  \\  arn  all 
the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  qualifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  aft'airs  to 
afsemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house  on  Tuefday  the 
twelfth  Day  of  July  next  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  after 
noon  then  and  their  being  Dul}-  meet  and  formd  to  act  on 
the  following  articales 

1'-^  to  Chufe  a  modirator  for  Goverment  of  f*^  meeting 

2'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Raife  the  mone\'  that  was 
not  Leagually  afseft  on  the  Inhabitants  of  f"^'  Town  in  the 
year  one  thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Seventy  three  or 
vote  or  act  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as  they  Shall 
think  proper 

3'y  to  See  if  the  town  will  Chufe  a  committ}'  to  Recon 
with  the  Town  Treafurer  &  make  a  Return  at  the  fall 
meeting 

4'y  to  See  if  the  town  will  take  into  Confideration 
the  Late  papers  Sent  to  this  Town  Relating  to  our  pub- 
lick  affairs  and  Distrcst  Circumftances  in  this  provance  & 
to  act  aney  thing  Relating  there  to  as  they  fhall  think 
proper 

Here  of  fale  not  and    make   Return  of  this  warrant  to 

fum    one    of   us   at    or    before    the    Da^'   a   bove    mentned 

Given  under  our  hands  and  Sccal   this   twenty   fourth  Day 

of  June  and   in   the  fourteenth  year  of  his   majests   Reign 

King  George  the  third  A  D  1774 

Ifaac  Gibson  I  o  i     i. 

T    (-    1    ,v   11  Select  men 

Joleph   \\  alkcr  (  r 

James  Pool  (  j,.^  ^^       , 

Phinehas  Hart  well  M'^'^^^^^"^^^^ 


104  The   Old  Records  of  the 

[lOlj     Worceftcr  fs    July  the  12  1774 

\\y  Vcrtuc  of  this  warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  free 
holders  tS:  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitehburgh 
qnalifyd   bv    Law    to    vote   in    Town    meetings   to   meet   at 

the  time  and  plaee  as  is  within  perfixt 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju"^  Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitanee  of  the  Town  of 
Fitehburgh  affembled  July  the  12  1774 

l'>'  Chofe  mr  Ifaac  Gibson  moderator    .     .     . 

2^^'  Voted  and  pased  over  the  2  artcle  Til  the  ajurn- 
ment 

3'>'  Voted  to  Chuese  a  Committe  to  Settle  with  the 
Town  Treafurer 

4'y  Chofe  Cap*  David  Goodridge  &  Ebenezer  Woods  & 
Ebenezer  Bridg  be  a  Committe  to  Recne  with  the  Town 
Treafurer  and  make  Report  at  the  falle  meeting     .     .     . 

5iy  Voted  to  Rafe  the  money  to  Suporte  the  Congras 
be  Colected  b3'  a  Contrebution,  and  if  their  be  ane\'  over 
and  above,  the  money  that  is  the  over  plush  fhall  be  Laid 
out  provide  a  Towns  Stoke  of  powder     .... 

(V^  Voted  and  ajurnd  the  Town  meeting  til  the  ninth 
Day  of  august  next  at  2  o  clock  in  the  after  noon 

Thos  Cow^din   Town  Clerk 


August  the  9   1774    meet   on   the    Day    to    which    the 
meeting  was  a  Jurnd  and  the  meeting  opned     .     .     . 

I'y  Voted  to  Signe  the  Covenant 

2'y  Voted  to  ajurn  the   Town   meeting  til   the  26  Day 
of  September  next  at  2  o  clock  in  the  after  noon 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


September  the  26  1774  then  the  Town  meet  on  the 
Day  to  which  the  meeting  was  a  Jurnd  and  the  meeting 
opned 

I'y  Voted  to  ajurn  the  Town  meeting  til  the  firft  Tues- 
day of  October  next  at  Eleven  o  clock  in  the  fouer  noon 

Thos  Cowdin   Tow  Clerk 


TowJi  of  Fitchburgli.  105 

[lOti]     October  the  4  1774    the  Town   meeting  opned 
on  the  Day  to  which  it  was  ajurnd  to     .     .     . 
1'-^     Voted  and  ajurnd  for  one  ouer  &c     .     .     . 
2'-^    Voted  and  acxepted  of  Ebenezer  Woods  as  Capten 

and Ebenezer  Bridge  lirst  Liut 

Liuftanent 

and Jofeph  Fox  2  Liftanent 

and Kindall  Boutall  Infign 

S'J"  Voted  and  ajurnd  the  Town  meeting  til  the  first 
Tuefday  of  November   next   at   three   o  Clock   in    the   after 

noon 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

Novembr  the  1  1774  then  the  Town  meeting  opend 
by  the  moderator  and  the  Town  Clerk  onl^-  those  persons 
present  and  Continud  the  Town  meeting  til  the  22  Day  of 
this   Inftant   November  at  three  o  Clock  in  the  after  noon 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

Novembr  the  22  1774  the  Town  meeting  not  opend 
becuse  now  perfon  belonging  to  the  Town  apeard  upon 
the  Day  to  which  the  meeting  was  Continued 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

Fitchburg  March  the  29'^  1770 
we  the  subscribers  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  fitchburg 
Having  Confidred  the  Eftate  and  Prefent  Circumftances  of 
m*"  David  Goodell  &  his  family  &  alfo  the  Eftate  of  m"" 
David  Goodell  Ju":  and  his  family  and  upon  Delibret  Con- 
fideration  think  it  proper  &  Prudent  for  the  intereft  of  the 
town  not  to  admitt  either  of  the  above  famileys  as  town 
Inhabitance  &  we  the  subscribers  Absolutely  Refufe  to 
admitt  them  or  I-^ither  of  them  as  Inhabitance  vvitnefs  our 
hands 

Thomas  Cowden  |  Selectmen 
David  Goodridge  ;         for 
John  White  J    fitchburg 

Entred  on  the  Town  Hook  By  order  of  the  select  men 
of  fitchburgh  Collected  from  other  writings  of  ufe  a  mongst 
the  town  papers 

Phinehas  Hart  well    Town  Clerk 


1 06  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[103]  November  the  17  1774 

Worceftcr  fs  to  Phinehas  Sawyer  Jur  Cunftable  for  the 
Town  of  Pitchhurgh  (Greeting 

In  his  niajastes  name  you  arc  herby  required  to  warne 
all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  youer  Town 
(luallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  affairs  to  afsemble  and 
meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on  Thurfday  the 
Seventeenth  Day  of  this  Inftant  November  at  twelve  o 
clock 

I'y  to  chuese  a  moderator  to  Govern  f**  meeting    .     . 

2'y  to  take  in  to  Confideration  one  of  the  provenfiall 
Congrefs  refolves  in  order  to  inlist  one  quarter  parte  of 
the  Traning  Soldirs  at  Least  to  be  at  a  minits  warning 
and  to  See  what  Incoregment  the  town  will  Give  their 
minnet  men  that  fhall  Inlist  after  they  are  called  upon 
aney  amerganc}'  or  act  aney  thing  refering  there  to  as 
they  shall  think  proper 

3'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into 
with  regard  to  Edward  Scott  or  act  ane3'  thing  refering 
there  to     ...     . 

4'>'  to  See  what  Inftructions  the  town  will  give  the 
Cunftables  of  this  town  with  regard  to  paying  in  the 
province  Rate  or  act  ane}'  thing  refering  there  to     .     .     . 

Here  of  fale  not  to  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
fum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Da}'  above  mentned  Given 
under  our  hands  &  Scale  this  7  Dav  of  November  A  D 
1774  &  in  the  fifteenth   yeare  of  his  majefts   Reign     .     .     . 

Jofeph  Walker      |  Select  men 
Ifaac  Gibson         >        for 
Ebenezer  Woods  J  Fitchburgh 

Worcester  fs    November  the  17  1774 

By  vertue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warn*?  all  the  free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
to  meet  at  the  time  &  place  as  is  within  perfixt 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju*"  Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitanc  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburgh  afembled  November  the  17  1774 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  107 

I'y    Voted  &  Chose   Cap*^  David  Goodridge  moderator 

2iy    voted  to  Raife  minett  men     .... 

3'>'     voted  to  Inlist  forty   men   Including  oficers     .     .     . 

4^>'  voted  to  Chuefe  three  men  to  be  a  Committe  to 
take  Care  of  Edward  Scott     .     .     . 

5'y  voted  &  Chofe  Ebenezer  Bridge  &  phinehas  Hart- 
well  &  Ifaac  Gibson  be  a  Committe  to  take  Care  of  Ed- 
ward Scott  if  need  be     ...     . 

6'y  voted  to  Indemncfv  the  Sevrall  Cunftables  that 
have  anc}'  provanc  moneys  in  their  hands  from  ancy  Coft 
or  Charges  that  ma\'  arise  by  meanse  of  their  not  paying 
the  provanc  moneys  to  Harrison  Gray  Esq 

[104]  ?'>■  voted  that  the  Several!  Cunstables  pay  the 
provanc  moneys  acording  to  the  provenfhall  Congrafis 
orders 

The  Town  meeting  Difolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Tho*"  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs :  to  Phinahas  Sawyer  Jun":  Con- 
ftable  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting    .     .     . 

In  his  Majefties  Name  3'ou  are  hereby  Recjuired  to 
warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallified  by  law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in 
Fitchburg  on  tusday  the  tenth  day  of  Jenuery  next  at  ten 
O  Clock  in  the  fournoon  then  and  their  being  duly  meet 
and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles     .     .     . 

!'>'   to  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  Meeting 

2'-^'  to  see  if  the  town  will  chusc  one  man  or  more  to 
attend  the  Provential  Congrcfs  at  Cambridge  on  the  first 
day  of  February  next  or  vote  any  tiling  refcring  their  too 

3'>'  to  see  if  the  town  will  Chuse  a  committee  of  In- 
fpection  according  to  the  Continential  and  provinfials  Con- 
grefses  Refolves  or  act  any  thing  refering  their  too  as 
think  proper 

4'-^'  to  see  if  the  town  will  Indcmncfy  the  Afsefsors  for 
not  returning  a  Surtehcut  of  the  money  afscfst  and  the 
Conftables  name  to  the  Province  trcafury  as  I'feal  or  act 
any  thing  refering  their  too 


108  The  Old  Records  of  the 

S'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  take  into  their  Confidera- 
tion  sum  method  that  all  the  town  may  Covenant  to- 
gether agrcable  to  the  Refolves  of  the  Continential  Con- 
grefs  or  vote  any  thing  refering  their  too  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

6'>'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Except  of  the  Oftercers  and 
Soldiers  in  the  minute  Company  that  shall  sign  a  covenant 
agreable  to  the  Continential  Congrefs  or  shuch  a  Covenant 
as  the  Town  shall  think  proper  when  meet  and  to  give 
those  offerees  and  soldiers  such  Inftructions  as  they  shall 
think  proper  that  shall  sign  said  Covenant  or  vote  any 
thing  refering  their  too  a  they  shall  think  proper    .     .     . 

7^y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  take  into  Confideration 
the  State  of  the  Standing  Company  in  this  Town  in  refpect 
to  filling  up  with  offercers  or  act  any  thing  refering  their 
too  as  they  shall  think  proper 

8'y  to  see  if  the  towm  will  take  into  Confideration  the 
Suffering  Circumftances  of  the  Poor  people  of  Boston  & 
in  what  method  as  they  shall  think  proper    .... 

[105]  Hereof  fail  not  and  make  due  return  of  this 
warrent  and  your  doings  here  on  to  sum  one  of  us  on  or 
before  the  above  said  day  given  under  our  Hands  and  seal 
this  twenty  third  day  of  December  and  in  the  fifteenth 
year  of  his  Majefties  Reign  Anno  domini  1774 


Joseph  Walker 
James  Poole 
Eben^    Woods 
Phinahas  Hartwell 


Select 

men 

for 

Fitchburg 


Worcefter  fs  January  10!^  1775 

by  virtue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
to  meet  at  the  time  and  place  as  is  wnthin  perfixt 

Phinahas  Sawyer  JuT    Conftable 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  town  of 
Fitchburg  afsembled  Januerv  10*^.^  1775 

Tho^    Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

I'y  Chose  Mr    Isaac  Gibson  moderator    .     .     . 

2'y  Voted  to  chuse  a  Deligate  to  attend  the  provential 
Congrefs  at  Cambride  the  first  day  of  February  next     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  109 

3'y  Voted  &  chose  Cap^  Goodridge  to  attend  the  pro- 
vential  Congrefs  at  Cambridge 

4'y   voted  to  chuse  a  committee  of  Infpection     .     .     . 

5'y  voted  to  chuse  as  a  Committee 

6^y  voted  &  chose  M-"  Walker  Cap^  Goodridge  Cap^ 
Gibson  Deacon  Thurftin  and  Cap'  Woods  Solomon  Steward 
&  Joseph  Policy 

7'-'  voted  to  Indemnity  the  afTefsors  tor  not  Returning 
the  ConftablC:    name  to   the   Province  Treafurery  as  ufeal 

S'-"^  voted  and  Excepted  of  the  Covenant  bareing  date 
the  tenth  day  of  Januery  1775 

9'-^  voted  and  Excepted  of  the  offercers  &  soldiers  that 
have  signed  the  Covenant  or  those  that  shall  sign  here 
after  if  oftcred 

10'^  voted  to  chuse  a  committy  to  veiw  the  minute 
Compen\'s  arms 

11'-^  voted  that  Cap^  Goodridge  &  AP  Joseph  Walker 
and  Enfign  Jon^*  Wood  be  a  Committee  to  veiw  the  minute 
Compeny 

12'>'  voted  that  Cap^  Woods  tills  up  his  Compenj'  as 
he  and  his  Compeny  shall  think  proper  with  Offercers    .     . 

13'y  voted  that  Joseph  Fox  be  a  Committee  man  to 
Receive  any  Jirticle  that  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  may  think  proper  to  Contrabute  towards  the 
relief  of  the  Poor  of  Boston 

[!()(>]  l-i'y  voted  to  adjorn  this  meeting  till  the  march 
meeting 

Tho^    Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

for  the  remainder  of  the  proseedings  of  the  town  upon 
the  adjornment  see  page  108 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  to  Phinahas  Sawyer  JunV  Con- 
ftable  for  the  town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting 

In  His  majesties  name  you  are  Required  to  warn  all 
the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Fitchburg  Quallitied  by  law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to 
atTemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  on  munday  the 
sixth  Day  march  next  at  nine  O  Clock  in  the  fore  noon  then 
&  their  being  duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  folU)wing 
articles 


1 1 0  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Vy   to  chuse  a  moderator  to  govern  said  meeting    .    .    . 

'2}y  to  chuse  Town  offercers  for  the  year  infuing  for 
said  town  as  the  Law  Directs 

3'>  to  see  if  the  town  will  Except  of  town  Roads  Laid 
out  hv  the  Select  men  or  their  order  or  vote  any  thing 
rcfering  their  too  as  they  shall  think  proper     .     .     . 

4'>'  to  se  what  method  Lhe  town  will  provide  for  Mifs 
Hearts  maintanence  the  year  infuing  or  vote  any  thing 
Refering  their  too  as  they  shall  think  proper     .     .     . 

5'>  to  see  if  the  town  will  vote  the  Swine  to  run  at 
Large  this  preafent  year  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 
or  vote  any  thing  Refering  there  too  as  they  think  proper 

6'^'  to  Chuse  a  Count\'  treafury  for  the  year  Enfuing 
as  the  Law  directs  as  recommended  b}-  the  Count}'  Con- 
vention      

Here  of  fail  not  and  make  due  return  of  this  warrant 
to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  above  mentioned  day 
Given  under  our  hands  and  Seal  this  Seventh  day  of  Feb- 
ruary and  In  the  fifteenth  year  of  his  Majefties  Reign  A  D 

1773 

Isaac  Gibson  (  Select  men 

Joseph  Walker  \         for 

Phinehas  Hartwcll  |  Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs  March  y*^    6t'^  1775 — 

by  Virtue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  free- 
holders and  other  inhabitants  of  the  Town  to  meet  at  the 
time  and  place  as  is  within  sett  f(jrth 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Jul    Conftable 

At  a  leagal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  afsembled  March  6*^  1775 

l'>    Chose  M^    Isaac  Gibson  Moderator     .... 

2'>'  Chose  Isaac  Gibson  first  Select  man     .     .     . 

3'>'  Chose  Cap*    Ebn*;    Woods  second  Select  man     .     . 

4'>'  Chose   Phinahas   Hartwell  third   Select  man     .     .     . 

[107]     5'-'^    Chose  Joseph  Walker  forth  Select  man      .     . 

6'^'   Chose  Kendol  Bought  well  fifth  Select  man    .     .     . 

7'-''   Chose  Joseph  Fox  Town  Clark     .     .     . 

8'>'   Chose  Jonathan  Wood  Town  treafury     .     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchbjirgh.  Ill 

9'>'  Chose  Silas   Snow   Conftable  for  the  South   side  of 
the  town  of  Fitchburg 

lO'y  Chose  Cap*  Ruben  Gibson  Conftable  for  the  North 
side 

11''    Chose  Samuel  Peirce  cS:  Deacon  Thurstins  wardens 

12'y  Chose  James  Poole  &  Benjamin  Jaquith  Tvctheii- 
men 

13'>-  Chose  Elijah  (Garfield  &  Afa  Perry  &  Thomas 
Stearns  &  Daniel  Farwell  &  Deacon  Thurstin  &  Jon'.' 
Smith  to  be  Survairs  of  hiijh  wa^vs  &  Collectors  of  high 
way  taxes 

14'>'  Chose  Nicholas  Danforth  &  Joshua  Peirce  to  be 
Dear  Reves 

15'-'  Chose  John  Bufs  &  Ebn'.  Thurftin  to  l)e  tire 
wards 

16'y  Chose  Zakariah  Whitney  David  Peirce  &  Josej)h 
Polley  to  be  hog  Reves 

17'^'  Chose  Solomon  Steward  to  be  surv^iir  of  Shingles 
&  Clabbords 

18'>  Chose  Jonathan  Wood  to  be  survair  of  Hoops  & 
Staves 

19'-^  Chose  Joseph  Walker  ik.  Deacon  Thurstin  to  be 
fence  vewers 

20'>'  chose  William   Thurlo  to  be  Sealer  of  Lether    .     . 

21'>'  Chose  Jtjscph  Walker  to  be  sealer  of  Waits  and 
meafures     .... 

22'y  Voted  that  the  town  of  Fitchburg  pay  M^  James 
Poole  five  pounds  to  bord  Mifs  Hart  one  whole  year  & 
so  in  proportion  provided  she  should  not  Live  the  year 
out p'.^  m*"  Poole 

23'>'  Voted  that  the  Swine  Run  at  Large  being  Voakcd 
&  ringd  according  to  Law 


I-'itchburg  I-Vbrucry  24-"'  1775 
this  Day  Laid  out  by  us  the  Subfcribers  a  road  begin- 
ing  at  AP  Joseph  Si)offords  Corner  on  the  North  side  of 
the  road  near  the  Brook  and  keejiing  a  Crost  s'.'  S])ofl['ords 
corner  to  Will'V  Thurlo'?  Land  then  Runing  on  s'.'  Thurlos 
Land   by   s'.'  Spoffords    Line   to    a    peace   of  common    Land 


112  The  Old  Records  of  the 

and  then  through  s'.'  common  to  Ruben  Gibson   house  nnd 

so  through  s'.'  (libsons  Land  if  wanted 

Ebnr  Woods      )  Select  men 
Ifaac  Gibson      }         for 
Joseph  Walker  J  Fitchburg 

F'itchburg  march  61^''  1775 
this  road  Excepted  and  given   provided   that   the  road 
that  Leads  from    Benj-'  Jaquiths  Land  to  william    Thurlos 

House  be  Difcontinued 

William  Thurlo 

24'y  the  Town  Meeting  be  Difolved 

Isaac  Gibson   moderator 

The  several   town   offercers  took  their  oaths   as  is  re- 
quired by  Law  Joseph  Fox   town  Clerk — 


[10<S]  March  6!^  1775  meet  according  to  adjornment 
the  10!^'  of  Januery  1775 

15'y  Voted  to  provide  forty  Bayonets  for  the  minute 
Compay  for  the  Use  of  the  town  upon  any  Expedition  and 
then  to  be  returnd  to  the  Town 

16'y  Voted  that  the  Offercers  of  the  minute  Company 
be  a  committee  that  shall  provide  fort}^  Ba\'onets  for  the 
Use  of  the  town 

This  meeting  Difolved  Isaac  Gibson  moderator 

Joseph  Fox  Town  Clark 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs.  To  Silas  Snow  Conftable  for  the 
town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting 

In  his  majefties  name  you  are  hereby  required  to  warn 
all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Fitchburg  Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to 
afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on 
tusday  the  twenty  first  da^'  of  this  Inftant  march  att  one 
0  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being  duly  meet 
and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles     .     .     . 

I'y   to  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'y  to  raise  money  to  repair  the  high  wa\'s  for  the 
year  Enfuing  or  act  any  thing  refering  their  too     .     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  113 

3'>'  to  Chuse  a  committee  to  Reckon  with  Cap^  Thomas 
Cowdin  the  late  town  treafury  or  act  any  thing  refering 
their  too 

4  To  see  if  the  town  will  raise  money  for  to  pay  for 
the  ba3''onets  for  which  their  was  a  Committee  chofen  to 
provide  said  Bayonets  at  our  anual  march  meeting  1775 
or  act  any  thing  refering  their  too  as  they  shall  think 
proper 

5'>  To  see  if  the  town  will  chuse  a  man  to  Dig  Graves 
or  act  any  thing  refering  their  too  as  the}-  shall  think 
proper 

6'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  difmifs  Cap^  Ruben  Gibson 
as  Conftable  &  chuse  sum  other  man  in  that  part  of  the 
town  in  his  rome  or  act  any  thing  refering  their  too  as 
they  shall  think  proper 

hereof  fail  not  &  make  due  return  of  this  warrant  and 

your  doings    hereon   to  sum   one  of  us   on   or    before   the 

above  said  day  given   under  our   hands   &  seal   this  sixth 

day   of   march   and   in   the  fifteenth    year  of  his   majefties 

Reign  A  D  1775 

Joseph  Walker  (      ,,^^^^^ 

Ifaac  (iibson  | 

Ebn-:    Woods  j       '"^^" 

Phinehas  Hartwcll     t.-,   ,  , 

T'       1    1  Tj      i  11  Iitchburg 

Kendal  Boutell  *=• 


Worcester  fs.  In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  warned  all  the  free  holders  and  other  inhabitents  of 
the  town  of  Pitchburg  Quallificd  by  Law  to  vote  in  town 
meetings  to  meet  at  time  and  place  as  is  within  perfixt 

Silas  Snow  Conftable 

[1<M>]  At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  I''itchl)urg  afsembled  March  21''^  1775 

l'>'     Chose  Cap*:  David  (loodridge   Moderator     .... 

2'>'  Voted  to  Raise  Eighty  pounds  to  mend  the  high- 
ways and  that  the  sum  be  workt  out  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  Last  year 

3'y    Voted  to  chuse  a  committee  to  reckon    with   Cap^ 
Tho*!  Cowdin  the  late  town  treafurv     .... 


114  The  Old  Records  of  the 

4'>'  Voted  to  chuse  Capt  EbiT:  Bridge  one  of  the  Com- 
mittee to  reckon  with  the  late  Treafury 

r)'>'  Voted  to  chuse  MV  Phinahas  Hartwell  one  of  the 
Committee  to  reckon  with  the  late  treafury 

G'-'*'  Voted  to  chuse  Mr  Joseph  Walker  one  of  the  Com- 
mitte  to  reckon  with  the  late  treafury     .... 

7'y  Voted  that  the  Select  men  give  the  Committee 
that  was  chofen  to  provide  the  Bayonets  an  order  to 
draw  the  money  out  of  the  town  treafury  to  pay  for  the 
Bayonets  the  Committee  rendering  an  account     .... 

8'y  Voted  to  chuse  Mr  Solomon  Steward  to  Dig 
Graves 

9'>'     Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difsolved 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clark 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  Mf  Reuben  Gibson  one  of  the 
Conftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg    Greeting     .... 

In  his  Majesties  name  3'ou  are  hereby  required  to 
warn  all  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  town 
of  Fitchburg  Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  for  a  Reprefenta- 
tive  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  Meeting  house  in  Fitch- 
burg on  Munday  the  twent}^  second  day  of  this  Inftant 
may  at  two  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  &  their  being 
dulj'  meet  and  formd  to  act  on  the  following  articles : 
viz : 

I'y    To  chuse  a  Moderator  to  govern  s*?  meeting    .     . 

2'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  chuse  one  member  or  more 
to  Reprefent  us  in  a  provential  Congrefs  to  be  held  in  the 
meeting  house  in  Watertown  on  the  31*?*  da^-  of  may  In- 
ftant or  act  an^^  thing  refering  their  too  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

Here  of  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  unto 
sum  one  of  us  the  Subfcribers  at  or  before  the  day  above 
mentioned  given  under  our  hands  and  seal  this  12*^''  day 
of  may  and  in  the  tifthteenth  Year  of  his  Majesties  Reign 

A  D  1775     

Isaac  Gibson      )  Select  men 
Joseph  Walker   \         for 
Kendal  Boutell  j  Fitchburg 


Toivn  of  Fitchburgh.  115 

In  Obediance  of  the  within  written  warrant  I  have 
warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabatants  of  the 
town  to  meet  at  time  and  place 

Reuben  (libson    Conftable 


[llO]     At   a   legal   meeting  of   the   Inhabitants   of  the 
Town  of  Fitehburg  afsembled  May  22".''   177") 

I'y   Chose  M";   Joseph  Walker  Moderator     .     .     . 

2'^'   voted    to  chuse  one  member   to  attend    the   ])roven- 
tial  Congrefs 

3'>    voted  and  chose  Joseph   Fox  to  attend  the  Congrefs 
at  Watertown 

This  meeting  Difolved 

Joseph  Walker  moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 


(Seal)  Worcfter  fs  To  Ca]5^  Reuben  Gibfon  Conftable 
for  the  Town  of  Fitehburg Greeting — 

In  his  Majefties  name  and  in  Obfervance  to  the  Conti- 
nential  and  Provential  Congrefs  Refolves  3'ou  are  here  by 
Required  to  warn  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Fitehburg  that  have  an  Eftate  of 
Freehold  in  Lands  within  this  Province  or  teritory  of 
Forty  shillings  per  annum  at  the  least  or  other  Eftate  to 
the  value  of  fort}-  pounds  Sterling  to  Afsemble  at  the 
Meeting  house  in  Fitehburg  on  Tusday  the  Eleventh  da\' 
of  July  next  enfuing  at  three  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon 
then  and  their  bemg  Duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the 
following  articles 

l'>    to  Chuse  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said   Meeting 

2'>  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Chuse  a  Man  to  Reprefent 
the  town  in  the  Great  and  General  Cort  or  Afsembly  Held 
at  Watertown  on  Wednel'day  the  Nineteenth  day  of  July 
next  Enfuing  or  act  any  thing  Ret'ering  thcretoo  as  they 
shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  antl  make  return  ol"  this  warrant  to 
sum  one  of  us  at  or  liefore  the  above  Mentioned  da}' 
given  under  our  hands  and    Seal  this   twentv  ninth  dav  of 


116  The  Old  Records  of  the 

June  and  in  the  fifteenth  year  of  His  Majefties  Reign  Anno 

Domini  1775 

Joseph  Walker 
Isaae  Gil)fon 
Phinahas  Hartwell 
Kendal  Boutell 


Select  men 

for 
r^itchburg 


In  Obedience  to  the  within  written  warrant  I  have 
warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  to  meet  at  time  &  place 

Reuben  Gibson   Conftable 

[111]  Fitchburg  July  11^1^  1775 

The  town  of  Fitchburg  in  Conformity  to  a  preceipt 
Directed  to  the  Selectmen  in  s'.'  town  by  the  Provential 
Congrefs  the  Town  Legally  meet  and  voted  not  to  send 
by  virtue  of  that  warrant 

attest  Isaac  Gibson 

Joseph  Walker 
Kendal  Boutall 
Phinahas  Hartwell 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  to  Capt  Reuben  Gibson  Conftable 
for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg Greeting — 

In  his  majefties  name  you  are  hereby'  required  to  warn 
all  the  freeholders  &  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Fitcburg  Ouallified  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town  affairs  to 
Affemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on 
Tusday  the  Third  day  of  Oct^  next  at  one  0  Clock  in  the 
afternoon  then  &  their  being  duly  meet  and  formd  to  act 
on  the  Following  articles 

l^y  To  Chuse  a  Modirator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2^y  To  Raise  money  to  pay  the  Reverend  John  Pa3'son 
his  Salury  for  the  3-ear  1775 

3^y  to  Raise  money  to  provide  Schooling  for  the  Year 
Enfuing  or  act  any  thing  refering  their  to  as  the}-  shall 
think  proper 

4'y  to  see  what  method    the  Town   will    provide   Mr 
Paysons  Wood  for  the  Year  Enfuing 

5'y  To  have  all  persons  thats  Done  Service  for  the 
town  to  bring:  their  acf? 


Tozvn  of  Fitchbiirgh.  117 

6'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Raise  money  to  pa\'  all 
Nefefary  Charges  and  act^  brought  against  the  Town  or 
act  any  thing  Refering  their  too  as  they  shall  think  proper 

7'^'  To  see  what  the  Town  will  advise  to  do  with 
Will™  Henderlbn  that  now  Refides  amongst  us     ...     . 

8'^  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into  in 
Refpect  to  the  Towns  money  &  province  that  remains  in 
Solomon  Stewards  hands  or  act  'a.n\  thing  refering  theirto 
as  they  shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  to 
sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  above  mentioned  da}-  given 
under  our  h^mds  and  seal  this  Eigteenth  day  of  Sep^  &  in 
the  fifteenth  year  of  his  Majefties  Reign  Ano  Domini  One 
Thoufend  Seven  hundred  &  Seventv  five 


Isaac  Gibson 
Phinehas  Hartwell 
Joseph  Walker 
Kendol  Boutcll 


Select  men 

For  the 

Town  of 

Fitch  burg 


Worcefter  fs  In  Obedience  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  Notified  all  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  s'.'    Town  agreable  to  the  within  written  warrant 

Reuben  Gibson  Conftable 


[112]     At  a   Legal   meeting  of  the   Inhabitants  of  the 

Town  of  Fitchburg  afsembled  Oct!:  Sr^  1775    .... 

I'y  Voted  and  Chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator     .     .     . 

2'y  Voted  to  Raise  sixt}'  six  pounds  thir- 
teen shillings  &  4^*  to  pay  the  Reverend 
Mr    Payson  his  Salury  the  Year  1775     £66  13     4 

3'y  Voted   to   Raise  twenty   pounds  to  be 

Schooled  out  the  Year  Enfuing    ...     20     0     0 

4'>-  Voted  y^  Mr  Afa  Perry  MV  John  Put- 
nam Mr  Elijah  Carter  Mr  E])hraim 
Orfburn  &  Joseph  Fox  to  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  provide  a  School  Maftcr  or 
Ma  Iters 

5'y  Voted  that  the  school  money  be  laid 
out  as  it  was  Last  year 


118  The   Old  Records  of  the 

0'>  Voted  to  lett  out  Mr  Paysons  Wood 
to  the  m.'in  or  men  that  will  provide 
it    elieajicst 

7'>'  Voted  that  Mv  Afaph  Goodridge  find 
&  provide  thirty  Cord  of  Good  Wood 
for  the  Reverend  Mr  Payson  one  whole 
year  begining  at  the  first  day  of  De- 
eembV  next,  the  wood  is  to  be  Corded 
up  at  Mr  Paysons  house  according  to 
Law  &  that  the  town  pay  M'.'  Afaph 
Goodridge  for  said  Wood  four  pounds 
six  shilling  &  8^.' £4     6     8      p'.' 

8'y  Voted  and  Raised  four  pounds  six  shil- 
lings &  8<?  to  pay  for  MV  Paysons 
Wood 

9'>  Voted  to  pay  Doc^  John  Taylor  two 
pounds  seven  shillP  &  S*?  for  Repre- 
fenting  s^'  Town  in  the  Great  &  Gen- 
eral Cort  in  the  Year  1774    ....         £2     7     5     p*^" 

lO'y   Voted   &   Excepted   M':    Daniels   Put- 

nunis  ac^    which  is _     4     _      pd 

ll'y  Voted  &  Raised  four  pounds  seventeen 
shillss  &  gfi  to  pay  Doc^  Greenliefs  ac* 
for  Doctoring  M*"  Bancrofts  familv    .     .      £4  17     8 

12'^    Voted  &  Excepted  of  Joseph  Sawyers 

ae^  which  is -  13     -     p"? 

13^y  Voted  &  Excepted  of  Cap*:  Cowdins 
ac*  for  Sweaping  the  meeting  house  six 
months  &  paying  for  a  Horse  to  Cam- 
bridge which  is £0  15      8      p^ 

14'-^  Voted   &   Excepted    of   Cap!^    Reuben 

Gibsons  ac^    which  is £1      -     -     p*? 

lo'>      Voted    &    Excepted    of    MV     Kendol 

Bou  tells  ac^    which  is £1  16     -     p'' 

16'>-  Voted  &  Excepted  of  MV  Isaac  Gib- 
sons ac^    which   is £-     8      -      p'.^ 

17'>'  Voted  &  Excepted  of  Cap^  Goodridges 

ac^  which  is £9  10     -      p'^ 

18'>"    Voted    &    Excepted   of  Joseph   Fox^ 

ac^   which  is £12     6  10  1  p^' 


Toivn  of  FitchbnrgJi.  119 

19'y  Voted  to  adjorn  the  meeting  to  friday 
next  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

Friday  Octr    6^1^  1775 

meet  according  to  adjornment 
20'>'  Voted   &   Excepted    of   Al-:    Abraham 

Ireland   ac*^    which   is £1     2     S      p'? 

21'y  Voted    to    Raise  five  pounds   to   pay 

Mr   Poole  for  Bording  Mifs   Hart  one 

whole  Year £5     -     -  paid 

[113]     22'y     Voted    to    allow    MV     Oliver 

Upton  his  ac^    which   is £0     6     8  paid 

23'>'  Voted   to   Except  of  the   Committees 

ac^    which   w^as   appointed   to   provide 

Bayonets  for  the  minute  Compy    ...      £716     -  paid 
24'y  Voted  to  Raise  money  to  pay  for  the 

Towns  meafures -11      -  paid 

25'y  Voted  to  raise  One  hundred  &  thirty 

nine  pounds  fourteen  shillings  «&  ll*;"  IqV 

to    pay   the  ac':''  brought    against    the 

Town £139  14  11  1 

26^y    Voted  &  rais<'  Eight  pounds   to  pay 

Nefefar3^  Charges 8--- 


Total  Raised  £147  14  11  1 

27'y  Voted  that  the  Select  men  be  a  Committee  to 
Joyn  with  Lunenburg  or  to  do  what  they  think  proper 
with  Regard  to  Mr    William  Hcnderfon 

28'>    Voted  that  the   Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  Set- 
tle with  M':  Solomon  Steward  with  Regard  to  the  Towns 
&  province  monc}-    which    Lyes  in  his  hands  as  they  think 
proper  and  most  for  the  advantage  of  the  Town 
The  Meeting  Defolved 

David  Goodridgc  moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clark 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  fs  To  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson  one  of 
the  Conl'tables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg    .     .     .    (irecting 

In  his  Majeftes  name  you  are  required  to  warn  all  the 
freeholders  and    others   Inhabitants  of  the   Town  of  l-'itch- 


120  The  Old  Records  of  tJie 

burg  (Juallificd  by  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to  aflcmble 
and  mctt  at  the  meeting  house  in  said  Town  on  munday  the 
forth  Day  of  March  next  at  nine  O  Clock  in  the  forenoon 
then  and  their  being  Duly  mctt  and  formed  to  act  on  the 
following  articles 

I'y  To  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'y  To  Chuse  Town  Ofifbrcers  for  the  Year  Enfuing  for 
said  Town  as  the  Law  Directs 

8'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Except  of  Town  Roads 
Laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  or  their  order  or  vote  any 
thing  refering  theretoo  as  they  shall  think  proper  whent 
mctt 

4'y  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  provide  for 
Mifs  Harts  maintainance  the  Year  Enfuing  or  vote  any 
thing  refering  their  too  as  they  shall  think  proper    .     .     . 

5'y  To  raise  money  to  mend  the  Roads  and  Bridges 
the  Year  Enfuing  or  vote  any  thing  refering  their  too 

6'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  the  Swine  to  run  at 
Large  the  year  Enfuing  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 
or  vote  any  thing  refering  theirtoo  as  the}^  shall  think 
proper 

7'^  To  see  if  the  Town  will  abate  John  Aludges  Rates 
or  a  part  of  his  rates  in  Phinehas  Sawyers  List  or  act 
any  thing  refering  thertoo  as  they  shall  think  proper 

[114]  8'-^  To  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  County 
Regifter 

9'y  To  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  Countj-  Treafury 

Hereof  fail  not   and   make  Due  return  of  this  warrant 

to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  above   mentioned   da}^ 

given  under  our  hands  and  seal  this  ninth  Day  of  February 

and  in  the  Sixteenth  year  of  his  majestes  Reign  A  D  1776 

Isaac  Gibson  {  ^  ^     j. 

7         I,  Air  n  i5electmen 

Joseph  Walker  J         r 

Phinehas  Hartwell  ]  j^..   ,  , 
Kendal  Boutell         |  F^tchburg 

Worcefter  fs  In  obedience  of  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants to  meet  at  time  and  place 

Reuben  Gibson  Conftable 


Town  of  Fitchbnrgli.  121 

At  a  lej?al  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Town  of 
Fitchburg  affembled  March  4^*^  177(i 

l'>'  Voted  and  Chose  Cap^   David  Goodridge  Moderator 

2'>'  3  4  5  6  Voted  and  Chofe  Capt  David  Goodridge 
Mr  Isaac  Gibson  Mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  M":  Jo':  Walker 
&  ni'.    EHjah  Carter Selectmen 

?'>■   Voted  and  Chose  Joseph  I-'ox     .     .     .     Town  Clark 

8'-^   Voted  and  Chose  linfign  Jon-.'  Wood    Town  Treafurv 

9'y  Voted  and  Chose  Thomas  Stearns  Conftable  for 
south  fide 

10'>'  Voted  and  Chose  William  Thurlo  Conltable  for 
north  side Conftables 

11'-^  Voted  and  Chose  Ephraim  Kimball  Jur"  &  David 
Parce Wardens 

12'>  Voted  and  Chose  Daniel  Putnam  &  Charles  Wil- 
lard Tvthingmen 

13'>'  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  alfefsors  for  the  3'ear 
Enfuing alfefsors 

14'J    Voted    that    Benj-/     Jaquith    Joseph     Walker  Jo': 
Downe  Samuel  Herrick  James   Poole  Jo':    Fox  &  Jonathan 

Boynton Survaiors  of  high  waN's  &  Collectors 

of  high  way  taxes 

15'>'  Voted  &  chose  Joseph  Spofford  &  Hezekiah  Hodgs- 
kins Deer  Reves 

16'>"  Voted  and  Chose  John  Carter  &  Jacob 
Foster T'^irewards 

17'y  Voted  and  Chose  Nicholas  Dan  forth  &  Tim'.' 
Fullum Hog  Reves 

18'-^'    N'oted    and    Chose   Solomon    Steward     .     .  Sur- 

vaior  of  Shingles  and  Clabbords 

19'>'  Voted  and  Chose  Enfign  Jon','  Wood  .  .  .  Sur- 
vair  of  hoops  &  Staves 

20'>'  Voted  &  chose  Jo":  Adams  cK:  Daniel  Fnrwcll  .  Fence 
Vewcrs 

21'>'  Voted  &  chose  William  Thurlo  ....  Sealer  of 
Lotlier 

22'>  \'oted  &  chose  Josc])h  Walker  ....  Scaler  of 
Weights  and  meafures 

23'y  Voted  to  Difcontue  part  of  a  road  Laid  out  Feb- 
ruary 27^''  1773  by  the   Selectmen   begining  at   the  widow 


122  The  Old  Records  of  the 

whitcombes  north  west  corner  to  Joseph  Grays  and  Oliver 
Slickneys  norwest  Corner 

|lli"»J  24'>'  Voted  to  difcontinue  the  Road  runing  from 
Will'"  Thurlo':  house  as  far  as  it  runs  upon  s'?  Thurlo'? 
Land  towards  Benj?  Jaquith  House 

25'>'   Voted    that    the    Town    of   Fitchburg    pay    Cap! 
David   Goodridge  five  pounds   Six   Shillings  &  Eight  pence 
to  board  Mifs  Heart  one  whole  year  and  so  in  proportion 
provided  She  should  not  Live  the  year  out     .... 

26'^  Voted  to  chufe  a  Committee  to  make  a  new 
Bridge  or  mend  the  old  one  upon  the  Road  Leading  to 
Leominfter  nigh  AK   Jonas  Kindols  house     .... 

27'y  Voted  that  James  Poole  Kendol  Boutell  &  Sam'.' 
Parce  be  a  committee  to  build  the  bridge  or  mend  the  old 
one 

28'>  Voted  to  Raife  sixty  pounds  to  mend  the  high- 
ways and  that  the  sam  be  workt  out  in  the  same  manner 
as  Last  year 

29'y  Voted  that  the  swine  run  at  Large  being  Yoked 
and  ringd  according  to  Law 

30'y  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  Seventh  article  in  the 
warrant    .... 

31'y    Voted  for  Regifter  of  Deeds     .     .     . 

32'y    Voted  for  County  Treafury 

33'y  Voted  and  Chose  a  Committee  of  Corrafpondence 
by  order  of  the  General  Cort  Confifting  of  five  men  (viz) 
Cap!  Reuben  Gibson  Cap!  Kendol  Boutell  Lieu!  Afa  Perry 
John  Putnam  &  Silas  Snow 

David  Goodridge  Moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clark 

Fitchburg  Ocf:  27*?^  1774 
*  Laid  out  a  two  Rod  road  begining  at  Ashby  Line  at 
a  Road  Laid  out  from  ashby  to  Saml'  Gibson  Land  in  s'? 
Fitchburg  from  thence  by  marked  trees  on  the  Eafterly 
side  of  said  Rode  to  Sam'.'  Gibsons  house  from  thence 
Southerly  on  Gibsons  Land  to  Mr  Joseph  Bellows  Land 
to  a  Crocked  beach  marcked  on  the  Eaft  side  of  said 
Rode  from   thence  a  crofs  said  Bellows?   Land  to  m^  Jona- 

*  Caswell  road,  old  location.    [Annotation  on  the  margin.    W.  A.  D.] 


Town  of  FitcJiburgJi.  123 

then   Brooks':    and   Grimes'?    Corner    then    Runing    on   said 
Hne  near  to  MV   Brooks':   house  then   Turning   on  Grimes': 
Land   by   Grimes':    Shop   to   David    M*:    IntirC:    north   East 
Corner  and  Jon'.'  Flints  Corner 

Fitchburg  February  29*''  1776 
Flints  Corner  as  above  mentioned  is  now  called  Joseph 
Heart  north  west  corner  A  two  rod  rode  Laid  out  from 
Joseph  Hearts  North  west  Corner  of  his  Lot  begining  at 
said  corner  a  southerh'  point  Runing  a  Straight  Line  to 
said  Hearts  old  House  spot  near  Phinehas  Browns  Line 
so  on  said  to  Browns  southwest  Corner  then  on  the  Line 
betwixt  Harts  and  Herrick  to  hearts  South  East  Corner 
from  thence  Down  the  Line  betwixt  Elias  Hafkiel  and  s^ 
Samuel  Herrick  yV  afore  mentioned  boundres  finding  one 
rod  Each  on  their  own  Land  to  the  County  Road  the 
fore  mentioned  Rode  being  Laid  out  for  and  by  the  Re- 
quest of  Sam'.  Gibson  Jo':  Bellows  Jon-?  Bn^oks  Grimes 
Jo':   Heart  Phinehas  Brown  of  said  Town 

Laid  out  bv    .     .     .    Isaac  Gibson  I      ^  i     *- 

T  t    w   11  Selectmen 

oseph   Walker  \r       y--,    ,, 

1)1  •     1        u     4-      11    'or  Fitchburg 
Phinehas  Hart  well)  ^ 

This  Road  Excepted  h\  the  Town  if  (liven 

[11(>]  Laid  out  a  two  rod  Rode  by  a  Committee 
a])pointed  b}'  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Requested  by  Oliver  Stiknev  Joseph  Gray  (S:  Will".'  Rider 
Begining  at  the  Widow  Whitcomb':  North  Weft  Corner 
runing  South  Westerly  fifty  two  Rods  on  said  Sticknevs 
Land  then  turning  runing  westerly  forty  Rods  on  Joseph 
(rrays  Land  to  Tho':  Hiltons  Land  then  turning  Runing 
south  ten  Deg^  West  Seventy  Seven  rods  on  Tho":  Hiltons 
and  Jo":  Grays  Land  to  Abraham  Willards  Land  marked 
trees  on  the  East  side  of  said  Road  Jo':  Gray  tinding 
seven  Square  Rods  and  half  for  his  propotion  to  s'.'  Rode 
then  turning  Wcfterly  ten  Degrees  North  on  Abraham 
Willards  Land  twenty  two  Rods  to  Will"'  Riders  Land 

F'^itchburg  March  l^^  1776 

Phinehas  Hartwell       |  Committee 
Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju*^  ;  appointed 
John  Carter  |  for  s'.'  Rode 

This  rode  Excepted  by  the  town 


124  The  Old  Records  of  the 

The  meeting  Diffolvcd       David  (roodridge  Moderator 
Town  offercers  Sworn  accordinj:^  to  Law 

Jo";   Fox   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  Cap^  Will'"  Thurlo  one  of  the 
Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg    .     .     .    Greeting 

In  Obfervance  of  the  Colony  writ  to  us  directed  these 
are  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and  people  of  the 
MaflVichufetts  Bay  to  will  and  Require  you  forthwith  to 
Cause  the  Freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the  town 
of  Fitchburg  that  have  an  Eftate  of  Freehold  in  Land 
within  this  Province  or  territory  of  forty  shillings  per 
Annum  at  the  Least  or  other  Eftate  to  the  value  of  fifty 
pounds  Sterling  to  Afsemble  and  mett  at  the  meeting 
house  in  Fitchburg  on  Thursday  the  twenty  third  Day  of 
this  inftant  may  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then 
and  their  to  Elect  and  depute  one  or  more  perfons  being 
freeholders  and  Refident  in  the  same  town  according  to 
the  Number  Sett  and  Limitted  by  an  act  of  the  General 
Cort  or  Afsembly  to  serve  for  and  reprefent  them  in  a 
Great  and  General  Cort  or  Afsembly  appointed  to  be 
Convened  held  and  kept  for  the  Goverment  Service  at  the 
Meeting  House  in  Watertown  upon  wednefday  the  twenty 
ninth  Da^^  of  this  inftant  ma^^ 

Hereof  and  to  Cause  the  person  or  persons  so  Elected 
and  Deputed  b3'  the  major  part  of  the  Electors  prefent  at 
such  Election  to  be  timely  notified  and  Summoned  b\'  one 
or  more  of  the  Conftables  of  your  town  to  attend  the 
Goverment  service  in  the  Great  &  General  Cort  or  Alfem- 
bh'  on  the  Day  above  perfixed  by  nine  in  the  morning    .    . 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  to  Cap^  Will"^  Thurlo  one  of  the 
Conftables  of  the  town  of  Fitchburg    .    .    .    Greeting    .    . 

You  are  hereby'  required  to  w^arn  all  the  free  holders  & 
other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallified  by 
Law  to  vote  in  town  meeting  [117]  To  afsembW  and 
meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on  thurfday  the 
twenty  third  Day  of  this  Inftant  may  at  two  O  Clock  in 
the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  DuW  meet  and  formed 
to  act  on  the  following  articles  to  it 

!'>■  to  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 


Town  of  Fitchhcrgh.  125 

2'7  to  see  what  the  Town  will  Do  Confernino:  Will"" 
Henderfon   now   at    Lunenburg   or   act   anv    thing   rcfering 

their  unto  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Fail  not  make  return  of  3^our  doings  to  sum  one  of  us 
at  or  before  the  day  above  mentioned  Dated  Fitchburg 
May  13^h  1770 

David  Good  ridge      | 
Isaac  Gibson  I  Selectmen 

Joseph  Walker  '         For 

Phinehas  Hart  well     P'itchburg 
Elijah  Carter 

Worcefter  fs  in  Obedience  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  notified    the   inhabitants  of  this   town  of  this 

meeting  according  to  this  warrant 

Will'"  Thurlo  Conl'table 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Town  of 
Fitchburg  affembled  May  23':''  1770  in  order  to  Chuse  a 
Reprefentative  accordingly  the  vote  was  ])ut  to  know  if 
the  Town  would  Send  a  Reprefentative  this  prefent  Year 
and  it  palsed  in  the  Negative 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inh^ibitants  ot  Town  of 
Fitchburg  aflembled  May  23'''  1776 

1'-^  Chose  Deacon  (>oodridge  Moderator 

2'7  Voted  to  Defend  the  case  with  Lunenl)urg  w  itli  re- 
gard to  maintaining  M*"  Will'^'  Henderson  if  their  Should 
be  an  action  conmiinced  by  Lunenburg 

3'7  Voted  to  chuse  a  Committee  to  Defend  any  action 
with  regard  to  Maintaining  m";  W'"  Henderfon  willi 
Lunenburg 

4'.y  Voted   that  the  Committee  should   Confist  of  three 

5'7  Voted  that  Cap^  Tho':  Cowdin  be  one  ol"  this 
Committee 

6'7  Voted  that  Cap'  JonV  Wood  be  one  of  this  Com- 
mittee 

7'7    Voted    tiiat  Joseph    Fox    l)e  one  of  this   Committee 

8'>'  Voted  that  the  al)ove  Coniniiltee  have  full  ]K)wer 
to  Defend  anv  action   with   Lunenl)urL;   with  regard    to   M'. 


126  The  Old  Records  of  the 

W."  Henderson  or  to   Settle  with  the   Town  of  Lunenburg 
as  they  shall  juc]p:e  best 

This  Meeting  Difolved      David  (ioodridge  Moderator 

Joseph  P'ox  Town  Clerk 

[IISJ  (Seal)  Worcel'ter  Is:  To  Cap^  \V'"  Thurlo  one 
of  the  Conftables  for  the  Town  of  PMtehburg    .    Greeting — 

Bv  virtue  of  a  Refolve  pafsed  by  the  Late  house  of 
Keprefentatives  may  10!^  1776  to  us  direeted  in  order  to 
eall  a  Town  meeting  you  are  hereby  required  to  Notif)-^ 
the  P'reeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitehburg  and  others  adjoining  to  said  Town  to  Afsembh' 
and  meet  at  the  meeting"  house  in  s'.'  Town  on  munday 
the  first  Day  of  July  next  at  three  O  Clock  in  the  after- 
noon then  &  their  being  duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on 
the  following  articles  (viz) 

1'7  To  Chuse  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .    . 

2'.>'  To  know  the  mind  of  the  Town  that  if  y^  Honor- 
able Continential  Congrefs  should  for  the  Safty  of  the 
United  Colonies  declare  them  independant  of  the  Kingdom 
of  Great  Britain  that  we  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitehburg  will  Solemnly  Engage  with  their  Lives  &  for- 
tains  to  support  them  in  the  Meafure  or  act  an}-  thing 
refering   their   too   as   the}'   shall   thing  proper   when   meet 

Here  of  fail  not  &  make  return  of  this  warrant  to  sum 
one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  above  mentioned  Ciiven 
under  our  hands  and  Seal  at  Fitehburg  this  Nineteenth 
Day  of  June 

Anno  Domini  1776 

David  Goodridge      ( 
Isaac  Gibson  j  Selectmen 

Joseph  Walker  (        For 

Phinehas  Hartwell  j  Fitehburg 
Elijah  Carter  \ 

Worcefter.  fs :  In  Obedience  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  warned  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  s'^  Town  and  these  Adjoining  to  said  town  of  this 
meeting 

Will'"  Thurlo  Conftable 


.^^    -^"^    ^-        (9^^^,,  ^j;;,;,.    /  .  ^^,-/..  ^ 


/(f    /.y('.'A>   ,/,   //■/•< ■.■i'ftuC   ^-'■^'^t   ^/.^Z  X.o-c.  r^<-.«i)  ^r^  ^■■'^  ,.y,//:.. 
y../2..   /K,   Oa-y^    ^^<U  U„..<L     K.^.   /c  //u.   •</.«-<; /tI,.,    ^.  z^ /c:.,c  z^.*/^/ 


../         ';"^'/'.    j;'',   '^"*5'   'i  ''   -^    ^y^Xr  ,/'~^    .^/u  y.  a^K- 


^^  /«u.  /^_  ^/r^  /^— «,^,  ^  ^^-;^7<^^«/^ 


Town  of  FitchbtirgJi.  127 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchljurg  legally  warned  and  Afsembled  July  l'*.'^  1776 

V7    Voted  and  Chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator 

2'.y  Voted  that  if  the  Honorable  Continential  Con- 
grefs  should  for  the  Safty  of  these  United  Colinies  Declare 
them  Independant  of  the  Kingdom  of  Great  Braitain  that 
we  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  will  with 
Our  lives  and  fortains  su[)port  them  in  the  meafurc 

[119]  3'>'  Voted  that  the  Town  Clark  copjiy  of  the 
second  vote  and  Send  it  to  the  General  Cort 

This  meeting  Difolved 

David  Goodridge   moderator 
Joseph  Fox    Town  Clerk 

In  Congrel's  July  4-^?^   177(i 

A  Declaration  by  the  Keprefentatives 
of  the  United  States  of  America 
In  General  Congrefs  Afsembled 
When  in  the  courfe  of  human  events,  it  becomes  necef- 
sary  for  one  people  to  difsolve  the  j^olitical  bands  which 
have  connected  them  with  another  and  to  tifsume  among 
the  Powers  of  the  earth,  the  Seperate  and  equal  Station 
to  which  the  laws  of  nature  and  of  nature's  God  entitles 
them,  a  decent  refpect  to  the  Opinions  of  mankind  requires 
that  they  should  declare  the  Caufes  which  impel  them  to 
the  separation,  we  hold  these  truths  to  be  Self  evident 
that  all  men  are  created  equal  that  they  are  endowed  by 
their  Creator  with  certain  unalienable  rights,  that  among 
these  are  life,  Liberty  and  the  purfuit  of  Happinefs : — That 
to  secure  thefe  rights,  governments  are  inftituted  among 
men,  deriving  their  Just  powers  from  the  confent  of  the 
Governed,  that  whenever  any  form  of  Government  becomes 
deftructive  of  these  ends,  it  is  the  right  of  the  jx'ople  to 
alter  or  to  abolish  it,  and  to  inftitute  new  (Tovernmcnt. 
laying  its  foundation  on  such  princii)lcs,  and  Organizing 
its  ])()wers  in  such  form,  as  to  them  shall  seem  most  likely 
to  EtTect  their  Safty  and  Hapjjinefs,  prudence,  indeed,  will 
dictate  that  governments  long  Ii)ftablishcd  should  not  be 
changed  for  light  and  tranlient  caulcs;  and  accordingly 
all    Ivxperience   hath    Shewn,    that    mankind    arc   more   dis- 


128  The  Old  Records  of  the 

posed  to  Suflfer,  while  Evils  are  Suflf'erable,  than  to  right 
thcmfclves  by  ahollishing  the  forms  to  which  they  are 
accuftoined,  but  when  a  long  train  of  Abufcs  and  Tfurpa- 
tions,  purfuing  invariably  the  same  Object,  Evinces  a  defign 
to  reduce  them  under  abfolute  Difpotism,  it  is  their  right, 
it  is  their  Duty  to  throw  off'  such  (Government  and  to 
provide  new  gards  for  their  future  Security  such  has  ben 
the  patient  Sufferance  of  these  Colonies ;  and  such  is  now 
the  Necefsity  which  conl'trains  them  to  alter  their  former 
Syftems  of  Government,  the  History  of  the  prefent  King 
of  Great-Rriton  is  a  Histor}'  of  Repeated  injuries  and 
Ufurpations,  all  having  in  direct  Object  the  Eftablishment 
of  an  abfolute  tyranny  over  these  States,  to  prove  this 
let  facts  be  submited  to  a  candid  world. 

[120]  He  has  refused  his  afsent  to  Laws,  the  most 
wholefome  and  necefsary  for  the  publick  good     .     .     . 

He  has  forbiden  his  Governors  to  pafs  Laws  of  imme- 
diate and  prefsing  importance,  unlefs  Sufpended  in  their 
Operation  untill  his  Affent  should  be  Obtained  and  when 
so  Sufpended,  he  has  utterh-  neglected  to  attend  to  them 

He  has  refused  to  pafs  other  Laws  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  Large  diftricts  of  people,  unlefs  those  people 
would  relinquish  the  right  of  reprefentation  in  the  Legif- 
lature,  a  right  ineftimable  to  them  and  formidable  to  T\'- 
rants  onh' 

He  has  called  together  legiflative  bodies  at  places 
unufal,  uncomfortable  and  distant  from  the  depository  of 
their  publick  records,  for  the  sole  purpofe  of  fatiguing 
them  into  compliance  with  his  meafures. 

He  has  diffolved  Reprefentative  Houfes  repeatedly  for 
oppofmg  with  manly  Firmnefs  his  Invafions  on  the  rights 
of  the  people. 

He  has  refused  for  a  long  time,  after  such  Difsolutions, 
to  cause  others  to  be  elected ;  whereby  the  Legislative 
Powers,  incapable  of  annihilation,  have  returned  to  the 
people  at  Large  for  their  Exercise;  the  State  remaining  in 
the  mean  time  exposed  to  all  the  dangers  of  Invafion 
from  with  out  and  Convulfions  within 

He  has  endevoured  to  prevent  the  population  of  these 
States ;  for   that  purpose  obftructing  the  Laws  for  Natu- 


Town  of  Fitchbjirgh.  129 

ralization  of  Foreigners;  refusing  to  pafs  others  to  encor- 
age  their  migrations  hither  and  raising  the  Conditions  of 
new  appropriations  of  Lands 

He  has  Obftructed  the  Adminiftration  of  Juftice,  by 
refusing  his  aflent  to  Laws  for  Eftaljlishing  Judiciary 
powers. 

He  has  made  Judges  dependant  on  his  will  alone,  for 
the  tenure  of  their  Offices,  and  the  amount  and  payment 
of  their  Salaries.  He  has  erected  a  multitude  of  new 
Officers,  and  sent  hither  swarms  of  Offercers  to  Harrafs 
our  people,   and    Eat   out    their    Subftance. 

He  has  kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace  Standing 
Armies  without  the  Confent  of  our   Legiflatures.        .     .     . 

He  has  aftccted  to  render  the  Military  independent  of, 
and  Superiour  to  the  Civil  Power 

He  has  combined  with  others  to  Subject  us  to  a  Jurif- 
diction  foreign  to  our  Conftitution,  and  unacknowledged 
by  our  Laws;  giving  his  Affent  to  their  acts  of  pretended 
Legif  lation : 

For  quartering  large  bodies  of  armed  troops  among 
us : 

For  protecting  them,  by  a  mock  trial  from  punifhment 
for  any  murders  which  they  should  commit  on  the  inhabi- 
tants of  these  States : 

For  cutting  off  our  trade  with  all  parts  of  the  world : 

For  impofmg  Taxes  on  us   without  our  confent : 

For  depriveing  us  in  man3^  cafes  of  the  benefits  of  Trial 
b-V  JuO'  •  r'or  tranfporting  us  beyond  Seas  to  be  tried  for 
pretended  Offences : 

For  abolishing  the  free  System  of  English  Laws  in  a 
Neighbouring  province  Eftablishing  theirin  an  arbitarv 
Government  and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  so  as  to  render 
it  at  once  and  Example  and  fit  Inftrement  for  [l*-il]  For 
introducing  the  same  absolute  Rule  into  these  Colonies. 

For  taking  away  our  Charters  abolishing  our  most 
valuable  Laws  and  altering  fundamentally  the  forms  of 
our   Governments: 

For  Sufpending  our  own  Legiflatures  and  declareing 
themfelves  invested  with  power  to  Legiflate  ibr  us  in  all 
Cafes  whatfocvcr. 


130  The  Old  Records  of  the 

He  has  abdicated  Government  here,  by  declarin<:^  us  out 
of  his  protection  and  waging  war  against  us. 

He  lias  plundered  our  Seas  ravaged  our  Coasts,  burnt 
our  Towns,  and  deftroyed   the  Lives  of  our  people. 

He  is  at  this  time  tranfporting  large  armies  of  foreign 
mercenaries  to  compleat  the  works  of  Death  Defolation 
and  t3'ran3^  alrady  begun  with  circumftances  of  Cruelty  and 
Perfidy  Scarcely  paralleled  in  the  most  barbarous  Ages, 
and  totally  unworthy  the  Head  of  a  Civilized  nation. 

He  has  conftrained  our  Fellow  Citizens,  taken  captives 
on  the  high  Seas  to  bear  arms  against  their  Country ;  to 
become  the  Executioners  of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or 
to  fall  themfelves  by  their  hands. 

He  has  excited  domeftic  inferrections  amongst  us,  and 
has  Endeavoured  to  bring  on  the  Inhabitants  of  our 
Frontiers  the  mercilefs  Indian  Savages,  whose  known  Rule 
of  warfare  is  an  undiftinguished  Deftruction  of  all  Ages, 
Sexes,  and  Conditions. 

In  every  stage  of  these  opprefsions  we  have  petitioned 
for  redrefs,  in  the  most  humble  terms :  our  repeated  peti- 
tions have  been  anfwered  onh'  by  repeated  Injury- !  —  A 
prince  whose  Character  is  thus  marked  by  every  act 
which  ma\^  define  a  Tyrant,  is  unfit  to  be  the  Ruler  of  a 
free  people!     .     .     . 

Nor  have  we  been  wanting  in  attention  to  our  British 
Brethren,  we  have  warned  them  from  time  to  time  of 
attempts  by  their  Legiflature  to  extend  an  unwarrantable 
Jurifdiction  over  us,  we  have  reminded  them  of  the  Cir- 
cumftances of  our  Emigration  and  Settlement  here,  we 
have  appealed  to  their  native  Juftice  and  Magnanimit\^ 
and  we  have  conjured  them  by  the  ties  of  our  common 
kindred  to  difavow  these  Ufurpations,  which  would  inevi- 
tabW  interrupt  our  connexions  and  Correfpondence.  they 
too  have  been  deaf  to  the  voice  of  Juftice  and  of  Confan- 
guinit\\  we  must,  therefore  Acquiefce  in  the  necefilty 
which  Denounces  our  Seperation,  and  hold  them,  as  we 
hold  the  rest  of  mankind  Enemies  in  war;  in  peace. 
Friends. 

We,  therefore,  the  Reprefentatives  of  the  United  States 
of  America,   in  General    Congrefs    Afsembled   appealing  to 


/!>?*.*vfc« 


(' 


■/^  <?     e^^/vy    !/i^^  >^  /%^  ^/^<:*^^'9t^f   i^^~^/u'A   ^^-^T^i^A  i^'foony 
^^    ,^'-  /i^A  ^^    Q-;^    ,^/^    ,-?^  c/,./^^  y.t^  ^..e^^;/.  _ 


^^,.  4^  M^^jf^y^X  '^  ^--  -^ 


Tozvii  of  Fitchburgh.  131 

the  Supreme  Judge  of  the  world  for  the  Rectitude  of  our 
intentions,  do,  in  the  name  and  by  the  Authority  of  the 
Good  people  of  these  Colonies  Solemnh-  publish  and  declare 
that  these  I'nited  Colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought  to  be, 
free  and  Independent  States  that  they  are  abfolved  from 
all  Allegience  to  the  British  Crown  ;  and  that  all  political 
Connexion  [l*-i*~i]  connexion,  between  them  and  the  State 
of  Great-Britain,  is,  and  ought  to  be  totall\^  difsolved  ;  and 
that  as  free  and  Inde]Dendent  States,  they  have  full  power 
to  Levy  war  conclude  peace  contract  Alliances,  Eftablish 
commerce,  and  to  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which 
Independent  States  may  of  right  do,  and  for  the  Support 
of  this  declaratif)n  with  a  firm  reliance  on  the  protection 
of  divine  providence,  we  mutually  pledge  to  Each  other 
our  Lives  our  Fortunes  and  our  Sacred  Honor. 

Signed  In-  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Congrefs 
John  Hancock,  Prefident 

Attest —  Charles  Thompson,  Secretary 

In  Council  July  17^'^  1776  — 

Ordered  that  the  declaration  of  Independance  be 
printed ;  and  a  coppy  sent  to  the  Minifters  of  Each  Parish 
of  every  Denomination  within  this  State;  and  that  they 
Severally  be  required  to  read  the  same  to  their  refpective 
Congregations,  as  soon  as  divine  Service  is  Ended,  in  the 
afternoon  on  the  first  Lords  Day  after  they  shall  have 
received  it:  —  and  after  such  publication  thereof,  to  deliver 
the  said  decleration  to  the  Clerks  of  their  Several  Towns, 
or  diftricts ;  who  are  hereb}'  required  to  record  the  Same 
in  their  refpective  Towns  or  Diftrict  Books  their  to  remain 
as  a  perpetual  memorial  thereof. 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  Council 

Richard  Darby.  JunV   Prefident 

k  true  Co])i)y  Attest  John  Avery.  Dep.  Sec'v 

A  true  Coppy  Attest  Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

[I'-i.'JJ  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  Cap^  William  Thurlo 
one  of  the  Conftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg    .    (irceting 

In  the  name  of  the  State  of  the  Colony  of  the  Alafia- 
chufetts    Bay  you  are  recpiired    to  warn  all   the  freeholders 


132  'flic  Old  Records  of  the 

and  Other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  QualH- 
ficd  by  law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Affemble  and 
meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitehburg  on  Tusday  the 
twenty  forth  Day  of  this  Inftant  Sep^  at  one  O  Clock  in 
the  afternoon  and  their  being  Duly  meet  and  formed  to 
act  on  the  following  articles  to  it 

I'y  To  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .     . 

2'/  To  vote  the  Reverend  John  Payson  his  Salary  for 
the  year  Enfuing 

3'7  To  raise  money  for  the  school  for  the  year  En- 
fuing     

4\y  To  chuse  a  committee  to  provide  a  School  or 
schools  for  the  year  Enfuing 

5'7  To  See  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into  to 
provide  the  Reverend  John  Payson  his  wood     .... 

6'7  To  raise  money  to  Support  Mifs  Hart  for  the  Year 
Enfuing 

7'.^  To  have  all  persons  thats  done  service  for  the 
Town  to  bring  in  their  accounts  and  Raise  mone\'  for  the 
same 

81^  To  see  if  the  town  will  abate  any  Persons  Rates 
in  any  of  the  Conftables  Lists 

9ly  To  raise  monej^  to  Defray  Town  charges  for  the 
Year  Enfuing 

lOly  To  see  if  the  Town  will  allow  of  a  Hofpital  for 
the  Anocalation  for  the  Small  Pox  or  act  any  thing  refer- 
ing  their  to 

Illy  To  see  if  the  Town  wnll  Confider  the  Rates  in  M^ 
Afa  Perry?  List  or  act  an^'^  thing  refering  their  too  as  they 
shall  think  proper 

12ly  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  into  confideration 
the  prefent  State  of  Our  committee  of  Infpection  and  Safty 
or  act  an}'  thing  theirto  as  they  shall  think  Proper    .     .     . 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  to 
sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Daj^  and  time  above  men- 
tioned Given  under  Our  hands  and  Seal  this  Sixth  Day  of 
this  Prefent  September  and  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ 

David  Goodride        1  o  i     a. 
Joseph  Walker  [  Selectmen 

Phinehas  Hartwell  '        ^°^ 


Elijah 


as  Hartwell  {  t^-.   ii 
Carter  J  Fitchburg 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  133 

Worcefter:  fs :  In  Obedience  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  warned  all  y^  freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  of  the 
Da^'  and  time  ot   this  meeting 

Will'"  Thurlo  Conftable 

[124]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  alTembld  Sep*  24^''  1776  Then  being 
Duly  meet 

1'7  Voted  and   Chose  Deacon  Goodridge   Moderator  to 

Govern  s^  meeting 

2'7    Voted   The   Reverend  John    Payson   his 

Salury  whis  is  £66  13     4 

3'7  Voted  To  raie  twenty  pound  for  school- 
ing the  year  Ensuing  20     0     0 

41^  Voted  &  chose  Samuel  Parce  Daniel  Put- 
nam Liev^  Jon=>  Page  John  Bufs  & 
Solomon  Steward  a  Committee  to  pro- 
vide School  Alafter  or  M afters  for  the 
Year  Enfuing 

5ly  Voted  that  the  School  monev  be  Laid 
out  as  Last  year 

6'7  Voted  to  inipower  the  Schools  Com- 
mittee to  Give  orders  to  such  Mafter  or 
Mafters  as  they  shall  imploy  in  said 
Service 

7'7  Voted  to  Give  Amos  Kimball  £4.2.8. 
for  Gitting  thirty  Cords  of  Good  Wood 
for  W\  Pa3'son  one  whole  year  bcgining 
the  first  Day  of  DecembT  next  the  wood 
is  to  be  Corded  up  at  Mr  Paysons  house 
according  to  Law 

8'.>'  Voted   to   Raise  the  mone}'   to  pay  for 

AK   Paysons  wood  whis  is  4     2     8      jy' 

9'.y  Voted  to  Raise  money  for  Deacon  Good- 
ridge for  boarding  Mifs  Heart    ....      568      p'^ 

10l>'   Voted    to    .\llow   Joseph    Sawyers  ac^ 

which  is 4     8         jiaid 

ll'.y   Voted  to  Allow  Levi  Kiniballs  Account 

whis  is 10     6      p'' 


134  The  Old  Records  of  the 

12'/    Voted  to  Allow  JamCvS  Pools  Ac^    vvhis 

is -     7     -      p" 

13'>'   Voted   to  Allow  Deacon    Thuiitins   Acl 

which  is 14     8       p'' 

14'7   Voted  to  Allow  Afa    Perrys  ac^    which 

is 1      9      -      p'' 

lv^'7   Voted  to  Allow  Solomon  Stewards  ac\ 

which  is 5     8  10      p'' 

le'.y   Voted    to   Allow  James   Poole   Kendol 

Boutell    &     Sam"    Parce    A    Committee 

their  Ac^  which  is 6     6 

17'/  Voted    to    allow    Kendol    Boutell^  ac^ 

which  is -  15      -      p*! 

18'7  Voted    to    allow    Kendol    Boutell?    ac^ 

for  Cloth  which  is 11  p'' 

19ly  Voted    to    Allow   Joseph    Walkers    at? 

which  is -  18      -      p^' 

20*^^   Voted    to    Allow    Phinehas   Hart  wells 

ac*  which  is 1     6     -  paid 

21?^  Voted  to  Allow   Deacon  Goodridge  for 

numbering  3^^  people 0     4     -      p<^ 

22?'^   Voted    to    Allow    Joseph    Walker    for 

numbering  3''!  people _     4      _      pd 

23T'i     Voted    to    allow     Isaac    Gibson?    ac* 

which  is 1     2     -      p^ 

24^^^    Voted  to  abate  John  kludges  Rates  in 

Solomon  Stewards  List  Except  his  head 

in  said  List 

25*^    Voted  to  pay  Joseph  Adams  for  Shov- 
els whis  is 2     -     - 

26*?^    Voted    to    Raise    money    to    pa3'    the 

above  ac^^ 
[1*^5]     27t^    Voted  to  Raise  Thirty  pounds 

to  pay   Nefefar3'    charges 30 

28t?i  Voted  And  Chose  Liev^.  Abraham  Gibson  Daniel 
Putnam  &  Joseph  Fox  for  A  Committee  to  Confider  Afa 
Perrys  Rates  or  act  an3''  thing  refering  theirtoo  as  they 
shall  think  proper 

David  Goodridge   Moderator 

A  true  coppy  of  the  minutes 

Attest    Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  135 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  to  Cap^  William  Thurlo  one  of 
the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  I'itchbuif^  .  .  Greetinjj;;  .  . 
In  the  Name  of  the  State  of  the  Colony  of  the  MaiTa- 
chufetts  Bay  yon  are  hercb}'  Required  to  warn  all  the 
Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burg  Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
affemble  and  meet  at  the  Meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on 
Munday  the  Thirtyeth  Day  of  this  Inftant  September  at 
four  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  being  Duly  meet  and  formed 
to  act  on  the  following  Articles 

1'/   To  Chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 
2'7  To   See  if  the  Town  will   Chuse  a  County  Register 
of  Deeds 

3'7  To  Chuse  a  County  Treafurv  as  the  Law  Directs 
Hereof  fail  not  to  make  a  return  of  this  warrant  to 
sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Da}'  and  time  above  men- 
tioned Given  under  our  hands  and  Seal  this  Twcnt}-  Eighth 
Day  of  September  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  One  Thoufand 
Seven  hundred  &  Seventy  Six 

Isaac  Gibson 

Phinehas  Hartwell    Selectmen 
Elijah  Carter  .        For 

David  Goodridge        Fitchburg 
Joseph  Walker 

Worcefter:  fs :  in  Obedience  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  warned  the  freeholders  and  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  time  &  place  of  this  meeting 

William  Thurlo  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  afsembled  Sep*^   30^''  177(5  then   being   Duly  meet 

1'/  Chose  Deacon  David  Goodridge  Moderator  to 
Govern  s'.'  Meeting    .     .     . 

2l>'  Proceeded  and  voted  for  a  Rcgifter  of  Deeds  for  the 
County  of  Worcefter 

3'7  Voted  for  a  County  Treasury  for  the  County  of 
Worcefter  and  Delivered  S'.'  votes  to  the  Conftable  as  the 
Law  Directs 

David  Goodridge  moderator 

A  true  coppy  from  the  minutes  attest 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 


136  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[r^«]  (vScal)  Worccfter:  fs :  To  William  Thurlo  one 
of  the  Conltablcs  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh    .    .    Greeting 

In  the  name  of  the  State  of  the  Colony  of  the  Maffa- 
chufetts  Bay  you  are  hereby  required  to  warn  all  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
being  free  and  twenty  one  years  of  age  or  upwards  to 
Affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on 
Thursday  the  Seventeenth  Day  of  Oct^  next  at  one  O 
Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  duly  meet  and 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  to  it 

lly  To  Chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .    . 

2'/  To  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  that  the  Reprefenta- 
tiA^e  House  together  with  the  Council  shall  make  a  form 
of  Government  for  the  State  of  the  Maffachufetts  Baj^  or 
act  any  thing  Refering  theirtoo  as  they  shall  think  proper 

3'7  To  see  if  the  Town  will  send  a  man  to  Reprefent 
them  in  the  great  and  General  Cort  according  to  a  refolve 
of  the  Seventeenth  Inftant  and  act  any  thing  refering 
theirtoo  as  they  shall  think  proper     .... 

Hereof  fail  not  make  due  return  of  this  warrant  to 
sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  and  time  above  men- 
tioned Given  under  our  hands  and  Seal  this  thirteenth 
Day  of  September  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1776 

David  Goodridge     ]  Selectmen 
Isaac  Gibson  (       p 

Joseph  Walker  fp-.   ,  , 

Phinehas  Hartwell  J  ^ 

Worcefter :  fs :  In  Obedience  to  the  within  written 
warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  free  holders  and  other 
Inhabitants  according  to  the  Directions  of  the  within 
writen  war  ant 

Will^  Thurlo  Conftable 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 

Fitchburg  affembled  Octr  Seventeenth.  1776 

11-^    Chose  Deacon  David  Goodridge  Moderator 
2^7    The  vote  being  put  to  see  if  the  town  would  vote 
that  the  Reprefentative  House  together  with  the  Counfell 
shall    make  a  form   of  Government    for  the  State  of  the 
Maffachufetts  Bay :  it  pafsed  in  the  Negative 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  137 

3'7  Voted  to  Chuse  a  Committee  to  give  the  reafons 
why  they  would  not  Confent  that  the  house  of  Kepreient- 
ativ6>s  together  with  the  Counfell  should  make  a  form  of 
Government  for  this  State     .... 

[I'-iT]     4'.>'     Voted  that  the  Commiltce  confist  of  five 

5'.y  Voted  that  Mr  Phinehas  Hart  well  be  one  of  the 
Committe 

6l>'  Voted  that  Liev!^  Kendol  Houtell  be  one  of  the 
Committe 

7l>'  Voted  that  Joseph  Fox  be  one  of  the  Committe 

S'.y  Voted  that  W\  Daniel  Putnam  be  one  of  the  Com- 
mittee 

91-^'  Voted  that  Cap^  David  Goodridge  be  one  of  the 
Committee 

10'7  Voted  not  to  chuse  a  man  to  Reprefent  them  in 
the  General  Cort 

ll'.y  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjurnd  to  friday 
25***  Day  of  Octr  Inftant  three  O  Clock  in  the  Afternoon 

October  25^^  1776  The  Town  meet  according  to  ad- 
jornment  and  the  Committee  made  the  following  report  — 
to  it 

\^y  ...  As  we  are  Senfable  that  our  Situation 
Demands  a  particular  attention  and  Due  Confideration  in 
matters  of  the  Greatest  importance  on  so  intrusting  con- 
cern for  the  Publick  Good  and  for  the  Good  order  and 
benifit  of  the  community  and  peace  of  this  State  that  as 
the  End  of  Government  is  the  happinefs  of  the  people  so 
the  Sole  power  and  right  of  forming  and  Eftablishing  a 
plan  theirof  is  Efencially  in  the  people 

*2l-^'  Because  a  Large  number  of  our  worthy  Inhabi- 
tants of  this  State  are  now  ingagcd  in  the  Service  of  the 
United  States  in  Oppofing  our  unnatiral  Enemies  which 
we  apprehend  ought  of  right  to  have  an  Eaquel  voice 
in  I^ftablishing  a  form  of  Government  for  this  State  as 
those  that  are  not  Engaged  in  the  Army     .     .     . 

3ly  Becaufe  that  the  prefent  House  were  never  Ivlected 
b_v  the  people  to  Ivftablish  a  form  of  Govcrnnieiit    foi-    tliis 

*the  second  rcalbn  should  li.-ivc   bcii  wiotc  llic  lliird  iV:   tlu-  lliird  rca- 
foti  should  have  hc-n  tlu-  Second.     [.Annotation  on  the  niarjj;in.     W.  .\.  I).] 


188  The  Old  Records  of  the 

State  but  for  ordering  and  Governing  the  prudential 
alVairs  of  this  Eml)arrifcd  State  as  necelTity  Calls  for  their 
Strict  attention  theretoo     ....  • 

Hut  provided  the  prelent  House  of  Reprefentatives 
together  with  the  Counfel  should  proceed  to  make  a  form 
of  Government 

Refolvcd  that  it  is  the  Opinnion  of  this  Town  that 
said  form  of  Government  should  be  made  Publick  for  the 
Infpection  and  Perufal  of  the  Inhabitants  before  the  Rati- 
fication thereof  by  the  Affembly 

David  Goodridge 
Phinehas  Hartwell 
Kendol  Boutell         {  Committee 
Joseph  Fox 
Daniel  Putnam 
121^  The  above  report  was  put  to   vote  to  see  if  the 
Town  would  Except  of  it  and  it  pafs  in  the  affirmative 

[128]  13\^  Voted  that  the  Town  Clerk  tranfmitt  a 
copp3^  of  the  reafons  why  the  town  will  not  confent  that 
the  House  of  Reprefentatives  together  with  the  Counfell 
should  not  Eftablish  a  form  of  Government,  into  the  Sec- 
ratarys  Office  of  this  State 

David  Goodridge  Moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  one  of  the  Conftables  or  the 
Town  Clerk  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg     .     .     .     Greeting  — 

In  the  name  of  the  Government  &  people  of  the  State 
of  the  MaiTaehufetts  Bay  to  order  and  Direct  3'ou  forth- 
with to  warn  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  quallified  by  law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  Affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in 
Fitchburg  on  Thirfday  the  twenty  Eight  Day  of  this 
Inftant  Nov':  at  two  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  & 
their  being  duh'  meet  and  form"?  to  act  on  the  following 
Articles  to  it 

11^'   To  Chuse  a  moderator  to  govern  said  meeting 

21-^'  For  the  Town  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  County 
treafury  for  the  County  of  Worcefter 

Here  of  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  to 
sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Dav  and  time  above  men- 


Town  of  FitcJibiirgh.  139 

tioned  given  under  our  hands  and  Seal  this  Eighteenth  Day 

of  November  and  i«i  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  177() 

David  Goodridge  f  Selectmen 
Joseph  Walker       (         for 
Elijah  Carter  (  I-^itchburg 

Worcefter  fs  in  Obedience  to  the  within  writen  warrant 
I  have  warnd  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  to 
meet  at  time  &  place  as  is  within  mentioned 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

At  a  legal   meeting  of  the   Town   of  Fitchburg  legally 

warned  and  Affembled   Nov-:  28^''  1776 

1'7  Voted  &  chose  Deacon  Goodridge  moderator 

2'7  Votes  called  for   .   for  a  County  Treafury 

3'7   Voted    to   adjurn    this    meeting    to    Cap^    Cowdins 

forthwith 

Votes    for    the    County    treafury    being    Seald    u]i    the 

meeting  was  Difolved 

David  Goodridge   Moderator 
Joseph  P'ox  Town  Clerk 

[l'^9]  In  perfuant  of  and  agreable  to  an  act  of  the 
Great  &  General  Court  of  the  State  of  the  Maifachufetts 
Ray  Relative  to  Eftimating  &  Stating  Sertain  prifes  on 
farming  Labour  and  all  traidlmen  and  at  certain  sealbns 
of  yV  year  and  all  nefefsaries  of  Life  that  is  to  or  may  be 
Difpofed  of  in  the  several  Towns  here  after  mentioned  that 
at  a  meeting  of  the  Selectmen  &  Committee  of  the  Town 
of  Groton  Shirley  Townfhend  Lunenburg  &  I-'itchburg 
con  veined  together  at  the  House  of  Co'.  Abijah  Stearsl 
Inholder  in  Lunenburg  on  Tufday  the  IS^'^  Day  of  this 
Inftant  Febry  1777  to  perfix  Prifes  on  the  following  arti- 
cles not  tf)  be  axceeded  as  here  after  mentioned  in  Price 

V?  Made  choise  of  Deacon  W'."  Stearns  as  moderator 
to  Govern  s'.'  meeting 

2'7   made  chose  of  Cap^  James  Ilorllcy  as  Clerk  for  s'.' 
meeting  then  Perfucd  as  follow": 

Farming  Labor  for  men 

That     farming     Labor    for    men    from    the 
Twenteth  Day  of  June  to  the  Twentielh 


140  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Day  of  August  not  to   Exceed   3/0  pr 

Day £0     3     0- 

That  from  the  middle  of  Nov',    to  the  mid- 
dle of  march  not  to  Exeed  1/6  pV   Day     0     16- 

and  the  othe  of  the  year  in  propotion     .     .      -     -     -  - 

Carpenter  or  House  writes  Bill 

That  a  Carpenter  or  House  wright  not  to 

Exeed  3/0  p'  Day  £0     3     0  - 

and   other  Carpenters  or  Joynery  work  in 

Propofial  as  Ufeal —     — 

Wheat  Rye  &  Indian  Corn 

Good   Marchantable  Wheat  not  to   Exeed 

6/8    pr    Bufhel £0     6     8- 

Good  Marchantable  Rye  not  to  Exceed  4/4 

pr    Bufhel 044- 

Good    Marchantable    Indian    Corn  not  to 

Exeed  3/4  pT  Bushel 034- 

Good  Marchantable  Oats  not  to  Exeed  2/ 

p''  bushel 02 

Fresh  Pork  &  Salt  Pork 

Good  Fresh  Pork  well  fatted  and  of  a  Good 

Quallity  not   to   Exeed  4^  pV   lb    .     .     .  £0     0     4  - 
Good  Salt  Pork   of  a  good   Quallity   with- 
out bone  not  to  Exceed  8'^  pT  lb    .     .     .     0     0     8  - 

Cheefe  butter  &  Beef 

Good  cheefe  not  to  Exeed  6^  pr  !b  .  .  .  .  £0  0  6  - 
Good  Butter  not  to  Exceed  9^^  p''  lb  .  .  .  0  0  9  - 
Good  Grafs  fatted  Beef  well  fatted  not  to 

Exceed    3^  p--  rb 0     0     3- 

&  Good   Stall  feed   Beef  not  to   Exceed  4^ 

prtb 004- 

and  Beef  of  an  Inferior  Quallity  in  Eaquel 

Propotion —     — 

Raw  Hides  &  Skins 

Raw  hides  not  to  Exceed  3^  pv  tb  .  .  .  £0  0  3  - 
Raw  Calf  Skins  not  to  Exeed  6^'  p''  tb     .     .     0     0     6  - 


Town  of  Fitchbjirgh.  141 

Peafe  Beans  Pertatoes  &  Turnips 

Good  Marchantable  Pease  not  to  Exceed  7/ 

pT    bushel £0     7 

Good   Marchantable   Beans  not   to  Exceed 

6/  pr  bushel 0     () 

Good   Marchantable   Protatoes  in  the  V-a\\ 

not  to  Exceed  1/  p":  bushel 0     1     0  - 

and  at  the  Spring  or  other  Seafons  1  /  (>  \V 

bushel 0     10- 

Good  turnip  not  to  Exceed  1/  p":  bushel  0     1      -  - 

Sheeps  WoU  <!<:  mens  Stockings 

Good   Sheep'?   woll  of  a  good   (juallity   nut 

to   Exceed   2/  p':   It) £0     2     0  - 

and   other  Woll   in   Propotion _     _     _  _ 

mens  Stockings  of  the  best  Quallity  not  to 

Exceed  6/ 0     6     -  - 

Cordwainers  Bill 

For  making  for   men  and    Finding   Lother 

of  the  best   Quallity  not   to  Exceed   S  '  £0     8     0  - 

&   other  shoes   of  a    Lefser    Size  in    Lefser 

Propotion —     — 

For  making  mens  shoes  the  Farmer  Find- 
ing  Lother  not  to  Exceed  3/     ....     —     3 

and   Lefser  Shoes  in  Eaquel    Proportion  as 

Ufeal ____ 

Tanner  &  Curier 

Good  Sole  Lother  of  the  best  Quallity  not 

to  Mxceed  1/3  pV  ft) £0      1      3  - 

And    Curried    Lother   in    Ivacpicl    Pr()])<)tic)n 

as  Ufeal 

Mutton  Lamb  &  Veal 

Good  Lamli,  Mutton  &  \'cal  not  to  Exceed 

3^'i/2  p'   ft)  of  the  ])est £()     0     3  2 

[i:{()J     I- lax 

Good    Flax    well    drest   fit   for    the   inakctt 

not   to    Exceed    1/  p""  ft) €0      1      0  - 


142  The  Old  Records  of  ilic 

Wheat  I^^lower 

Good   Wheat  flower  not  to  lixeeed  22/  pV 

hun'' £1      2     0- 

aiul  Lefser  Quantities  in  Propotion  as  Useal     -     — 

Tavern   Kce^iers 

Horse  Keeping  not   to   Exceed  1/3  a  night 

or  24  hours  on  Good  Enghsh  Hay     .     .  £0     1     3  — 
Good    Paftering   a   night   or   24   hours   not 

to  Exceed  8^' 0     0     8- 

Ox    keeping   a   night   or    24    hours   not   to 

Exceed   1/6 .016- 

A   Good   Pafture  for   a    Yoke   of  Oxen   one 

night   or   24  hours   /lO^^ 0     0  10  - 

Pol  try 

Turky  Dunghill   fowls  &  Ducks  not  to  Ex- 
ceed 5^'  p-:  ft £0     0     5- 

Geefe 

Geefe  not  to  Exceed  4^  pr  ft) £0     0     4  - 

Milk  &  English  Hay 

Good  new  milk  not  to  Exceed  2^    .     .     .     .  £0     0     2  — 
Good    English    Hay    not   to    Exceed   3/  p'' 

hunfi 0     3 

Boards  Side  Clabbords  Set  by  our  own  Towns 

li}'  order  of  Com^ 
Good    Marchantable    pine    boards    not    to 

Exceed  22/  pT  Thoufand £1     2     -  - 

and   other  boards   in    Propotion   to   Ouan- 

tit}'  &   Goodnefs 

for  Sawing  pine  boards  not  to  Exceed  8/4 

pV  Thoufand -84- 

and   other   Sawing   according   to   Quantity 

&  Stuff  as   Useal ____ 

Good  Marchantable  side  Clabbords  not  to 

Exceed  64/  pV  Thoufand 3     4 

Good    Marchantable    pine  shingles   not   to 

Exceed  10/  p';  Thoufand -  10     -  - 


Tozvn  of  Fitchbu7'gli.  143 

Good  Heart  Staves  &  headin":  not  to  Ex- 
ceed  30/  p"-  Thouland CI   Kt      - 

Good    Heart  Rarrills  well  made  Hat   hoojis 

not  to  Exceed  3/8  p"-  liarrill -     3     ,s  - 

and  other  Coopery  Small  or  (ireat  in   I'ro- 

])otion  as  ITeal -  -- 

Slit  by   I'^ach  Town  by  order  of  Coml^ 

A   good    Yoke  of  Oxen   to   Labour  a   Day 
from  the  first   Day  of  april  to  the  20^'' 
Day  of  May  not  to  Exceed  1/10  \f.    Day   Uo      1    10  - 
and     all     other    Seafons    in     Dro])Otion    as 

Ufeal ____ 

Blaekfmith  Work  &  Cole 

Black  Smith  work  for  Showin^j  a  horfe 
Plain  Showing  not  to  Exceed  5/6  and 
all  other  Smith  work  in  propotion     .     .   CO     T)     (>  - 

For  Good   Charcole  best   Swamp  wood  4-'' 

by   the  bushel -04-- 

of  pine  not   to    Exceed  3"'  ji''  bushel     ...      -     0     3   - 

Victualing  In*  the  meal    Fliji  Syder 

For  a  Dinner  Boyl  &  roafted  not  to  Exceed 

1/ £0     10- 

Either    Boyld    or    Roafted    10''    and    other 

meals   in   propotion -     010- 

a  mugg  of  West   India  Fli])  not  to  F^xceed 

11''  ])':  mugg -011- 

New  England  Flip  not  to  Exceed  9'"  p'.  mugg     -     -     9  - 
(rood    Syder  on  Hand  fill''  on  the  Lees  not 

to  Exceed  11/  p':   Barrill -  11      -  - 

Horse  hire 

Horse   hire  for   one   person    to    ride   not    to 

Exceed  2''  i)'.   mile CO     0     2  - 

going   in  a   Carrage   or   Carry  a  burden  in 

Ffeal    Propotion -      --- 

Flax  Seed 

(lood    Flax   seed   clean    fit   for  sowing   not 

t(j  b:xceed  5/4  \V.    bushel CO     5     4  - 


144  The  Old  Records  of  the 

a  Good  seed  Plow  for  one  Day  not  to  Ex- 
ceed   1/0  p":   Day -1 

a  Good   Brakeing  up   Plow   not  to  Exceed 

2/5    pr    Day -25- 

Taylors  Bill  Tow  Cloth 

Men   Taylors   2/6  pr  Day £0     2     6- 

wonian  Taylors  for  mens  ware  ll'^  pr  Day     0     0  11  - 

Either  of  the  Ta3dors  not   to   Exceed   the 

prise   perfixt ____ 

Good  tow  Cloth  yard  wide  2/  a  yard  as  in 

the  act -     2 

&  other  tow  Cloth  in  propotion  according 
to  width  and  Quallity  of  the  same  kind 
&  the  prife  of  Corse  Linnen  to  be  com- 
puted after  the  same  rate _     _     _  _ 

Good  3^ard  wide  Strip*^  Flannel  not  to  Ex- 
ceed  3/6  p'-  yd -     3     6  - 

and  other  Flannels  in  propotion  according 

to  width  and  Quallity - 

Good  all  woll  Blue  Cloth   well  manurefac- 

tered  not  to  Exceed  10/  y^ 0  10     0  - 

and  other  Cloths  and  widths  according  to 

its  Quallities ____ 

Good  yard  wide  Homfpun  Cotten  &  Linnen 
Cloth  of  the  common  Sort  not  to  Ex- 
ceed 3/6  p':   yd -     3     6  - 

&  other  widths  and  Quallit3^s  of  Cotten  & 

Linnen  in  propotion ____ 

[i:51]     Tallow 

Good  Tryed  tallow  not  to  Exceed  7^  pY  tb  £0     0     7  - 
and    Rough  tallow  not  to   Exceed  5^  p*"  ft)     -     -     5  - 

Wagon 

Wagon  for  a  Jorney   not  to    Exceed    2^  p'' 

mile  &  in  propotion  up  Contry  as  Ufeal  £0      -     2  - 

Womens  work  for  weveing 

For  weaving  all   woll   Ell   wide  4^  a  yard  £0     0     4  0 
and   all    weaveing  in  propotion   according 

to  its   Quallity -     --- 


Towfi  of  Fitchbiirgh.  145 

for  one   weaks   Labor  house   work   not   to 

Exceed   2/6 -     2     6  - 

and  any  Extradonary  nufsing  in  propotion      -      -     -  - 

Paftering  Oxen 

A  Good  yoke  of  Oxen  to  Pafture  one  weak 
not  to  Exceed  2/4  a  weak  fat  cattle  of 
the  Largest  &  the  best  Pasture     ...  £0     2     4  - 

&    other     Paftering    in    propotion     to    the 

goodnefs   of   the    Paftering   &   cattle     .      - 

on  English  Hay 

For  keeping  a  Large  yoke  of  Oxen  on  good 

English  Hay  one  weak  3/4 £0     3     4- 

and  other  keeping  of  Cattle  by  the  weak  in 

the  same  propotion 

Bark  for  Tanners 

Good   hemlock  bark    Delivered   at  the  tan 

house  10/  a  cord £0  10 

Good  Oak  bark  so  Delivered  not  to  Exceed 

9/  p":  cord -9 

Signd   by   order  of  the   Selectmen   &  committee  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg     .     .     . 

David  Goodridge   Chairman 
A  True  coppy  attest       Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 


(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  liither  of  the  Conftables  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg    Greeting 

These  are  therefore  in  the  name  of  the  Government 
and  people  of  the  State  of  the  Malfachufetts  Bay  to  order 
and  Direct  you  forth  with  to  convene  the  Freeholders  & 
other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallificd  by 
Law  to  vote  in  Town  meeting  to  alTcmble  at  the  meeting 
houfe  in  Fitchburg  on  munday  the  Third  Day  of  March 
next  at  nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenoon  then  &  there 
being  Duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  arti- 
cles (viz)     .     .     . 

I'.y    To  chusc  a  moderator  to  (lOvcrn   said  meeting 


146  The  Old  Records  of  the 

2l>'  To  chufc  Town  Offerccrs  for  the  year  infewing  as 
the  Law  Direets 

3'7  To  Provid  for  the  poor  and  Endigent  perfons  of 
said  Town  and  in  what  way  and  manner  as  shall  be 
thought  most  proper    .     .     . 

4*7  To  Grant  money  for  repairing  highwaj^s  the  pref- 
ent  year  and  to  act  any  thing  refering  theirtoo  as  they 
shall  think  proper     .     .     . 

5'7  To  accept  of  such  roads  as  the  Town  shall  think 
necefsary  that  are  Laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  or  their 
order    .     .     . 

6'7  To  have  all  the  Surveyors  of  high  wa\'s  &  high 
way  Collecttors  for  the  3^ear  past  to  make  a  return  of 
their  Collection  &  what  is  behind  in  their  Lists  to  the 
Town  the  Day  and  time  above  mentioned  for  further 
orders  as  shall  be  thought  most  proper  by  the  Town     .     . 

71-^  To  see  if  the  swine  may  go  at  Large  under  the 
Regulation  of  the  Law  the  Enfuing  year    .    .     . 

8'7  To  here  the  report  of  the  Committee  that  was 
chofen  to  Regulate  &  affist  MT  Afa  Perr3'  concerning  his 
Rates  &  to  act  any  thing  refering  theretoo  as  they  shall 
think  proper     .     .     . 

9'7  To  chuse  a  committee  or  committees  if  need  be  or 
act  anv  thing  as  shall  be  thought  proper  by  the  Town 
there  for     .... 

[13^]  Hereof  fail  not  and  make  a  return  of  this 
warrant  with  your  doings  theiron  to  sum  one  of  us  at 
or  before  the  Da}'  and  time  above  mentioned  given  under 
our  hands  &  seal  at  Fitchburg  this  Thirteenth  Day  of 
February  &  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  1777 

David  Goodridge     ) 
Isaac  Gibson  |  Selectmen 

Joseph  Walker  {        For 

Phinehas  Hartwell  j  Fitchburg 
Elijah  Carter  J 

Worcefter  fs  In  Obedience  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  warned  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  of  the 
time  and  place  of  this  meeting    .     .     . 

W?^  Thurlo  Constable 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  147 

At  a  legal  meetin«^  of  the  Inhabitant  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  affeml>lcd  March  3?'  1777     .     .     . 

I'y  Chose  Deacon  Goodridge  moderator 

21-v  3iy  4iy  5iy  6'y  Voted  &  Chose  Deacon  David  Good- 
ridge Mr  Phinehas  Hartwcll  M":  Joseph  Walker  W.  Isaac 
Gibson  &  Liev^   Kendol    Boutell   Selectmen     .     .     Selectmen 

7'y  Voted  &  Chose  Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk  .  Town  Clerk 

S'y  Voted  &  Chose  Cap^  Jon-'  Wood  Town  Treafury 
Town  Treafury 

9'y  Voted  &  chose  Elijah  Carter  Conftable  for  the 
South  side  the  Town  Excepted  Tho':  Stearns  in  Elijah 
Carters  Rome Conftable 

lO'y  Wy  Voted  &  chose  Solomon  Stewad  &  Jon" 
Holt  Wardens Wardens 

12' J-  13'>  Voted  cS:  Chose  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson  &  Daniel 
Farwell Tythingmen 

14-'>    Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  Aflefsors    .    .    alfefsors 

15'y  Voted  &  chose  M*"  Jon-^  Rufsell  David  Parce  Joshua 
Goodridge  John  Carter  Kendal  Boutell  Jo':  Adams  &  Nathan 
Babcock  Surva^-crs  of  highways  &  collecttors  of  highway 
taxes  .  Survayersof  highways  &Collcttors  of  highway  taxes 

16'>'  Voted  &  chose  Eph"^  Kimball  Ju":  and  Amos  Kim- 
ball      Deer  Reves 

17'y  Voted  &  chose  John  Bufs  &  Nich?  Danforth  .  Fire- 
wards 

18'y  Voted  &  Chose  Henery  Lealand  Daniel  Putnam 
WV' Small  &  Oliver  Upton    .    .    hog  Reves    .    .    .    Hog  Reves 

11)'-''  Voted  &  chose  Solomon  Steward  Survcyer  of 
Shingle  &  Clabords    .    .    Surveyors  of  Shingles  &  Clabbords 

20'y  Voted  &  Chose  Cap^  Jon?  Wood  Surve^'or  of  hoops 
&  Staves Surveyors  of  Hoops  &  Staves 

21 '^t  Voted  &  chose  Nicholas  Danforth  &  Daniel  Put- 
nam      F'ence  vewers 

22'>'  Voted  &  chose  Cap^  W'"  Tliurlo  Scaler  of  Lother 
Sealer  of  Lother 

23'>  Voted  &  chose  David  Parce  Sealer  of  Waits  & 
meafures Sealer  of  W^**  &  meafures 

24'>'  Voted  that  their  shall  be  a  Committee  of  Corraf- 
pondence  Infpection  &  Safty 

2r)'>'  Voted  &  chose  James  Poole  Cap^  Reuben  [(^b- 
son]   Daniel  Putnam  Joseph  I-^ox  &  Jo':  Phelps  a  Commit- 


148  The  Old  Records  of  the 

tee  of  Corrafi^ondcnce  Infpection  &  Safty     .     .     Committee 
of  Corrafpondencc  Infpection  &  Safty 

[l.*{i{]  26  Voted  that  The  town  of  P^itchburg  pay 
Mv  James  Poole  six  pounds  to  board  Mifs  Heart  one 
whole  whole  year  and  so  in  propotion  provided  she  should 
not    Live  the  year  out £6  0  0- 

27  Voted  to  Raise  fift3'  pounds  to  mend  the  high 
ways  and  that  the  sum  be  workt  out  in  the  same  manner 
as  years  past 50 

28  Voted  to  chuse  a  Committee  to  Treat  with  Cap* 
Flint  with  regard  to  a  road  Leading  from  SamV  Gibsons 

291-^-  Voted  that  Phinehas  Hartwell  Charles  Willard 
&  Elijah  Carter  be  the  Committee 

30'>'     Fitchburg  March  y<?   !>?*  1777 

In  Obediance  to  the  orders  of  the  Selectmen  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  we  the  Subfcribers  have  Laid  out  a 
two  rod  road  begining  at  the  house  of  Kendal  Boutells  & 
runing  Northerly  on  s"?  Boutells  Land  to  Land  of  Tho^ 
Hills  &  then  runs  on  said  Hills  Land  to  Land  of  Roger 
Bigelows  &  then  Runs  on  s*?  Bigelows  Land  to  Land  of 
My.  Burts  &  then  Runs  on  said  Burts  Land  to  Land  of 
Cap^  Cowdins  &  then  runs  on  s*?  Cowdins  Land  to  Land 
of  Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  &  runs  through  a  corner  of  s*? 
Hodgfkins  Land  to  Land  of  Paul  Wetherbees  &  then 
runs  on  the  Edge  of  s*?  Wetherbees  Land  upon  the  ridge 
to  Land  of  s"?  Hodgfkins  &  runs  through  another  corner 
of  s^  Hodgfkins  Land  to  the  road  that  Leads  to  the 
meeting  house  two  Lenths  of  fence  from  the  corner  which 
road  is  Defcribed  by  trees  marked  on  the  west  side  of  the 
road 

And  alfo  another  two  Rod  road  begining  near  the 
North  East  corner  of  Capt  Cowdins  Land  &  runs  through 
said  Cowdins  Land  to  Land  of  Nehemiah  Fullers  &  then 
runs  through  the  Land  of  s"?  Fullers  by  his  house  to  Land 
of  Titus  Wilders  &  through  s*?  Wilders  Land  by  his  house 
to  his  South  Line  which  road  is  Discribed  by  trees  marked 
on  the  Southerly  side  of  the  Road 

Kendal  Boutell    ) 

Nehemiah  Fuller  \  Committee 

Tho^   Hill  J 


Town  of  FitcJibiirgJi.  149 

The  town  voted  to  Except  the  above  Defcribed  roads 
if  the  Land  is  Given 

31'y  A  two  rod  road  requested  b\'  &  laid  out  for  Jona- 
than Bo^'nton  &  Reuben  Smith  freeholders  in  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  where  as  Jonathan  Boynton  Reuben  Smith  lilijah 
Carter  being  a  committee  appointed  b\'  the  Selectmen  of 
Fitchburg  to  Lay  out  s^.'  road  which  is  as  follows  begining 
at  Jonathan  Boyntons  House  then  runing  a  north  Easterly 
point  to  s^  Smiths  Land  then  Through  a  corner  of  s'?  smiths 
Land  to  M":  Wards  the  trees  marked  on  the  North  Wefterly 
side  then  runing  East  on  the  line  between  said  smiths  Land 
and  said  Wards  Land  to  an  Oak  tree  one  rod  on  Ivach  Lot 
then  runing  North  through  said  wards  Land  to  the  corner 
of  Widow  Whitcombs  Land  the  trees  marked  on  the  Weft- 
erly side  then  runing  East  to  the  Road  that  leads  to 
Phinehas  Sawyer  JuV  house  Laid  out  b^'  us  the  Subfcribers 

Elijah  Carter  )  Committee 

Reuben  Smith  !  of 

Jonathan  Boynton  j  Said  Road 

Further  more  the  above  Jonathan  Boynton  promifes 
that  he  wnll  give  a  road  through  his  Land  where  the 
town  shall  think  most  needfull  when  requested  provided 
the  above  mentioned  road  is  Given  Jon-.'  Boynton 

The  above  Defribed  road  is  Excepted  by  the  Town  if 
Given     .... 

[134]     Fitchburg  December  y^  ArV^  1776 
32'-^'    A  two   rod   road   requested  by   and   Laid   out  for 
Joseph    Wetherbee    &   Jon?   Wetherbee    freeholders   in  said 
Town   Begining   at  Jon-.'    Wetherbees   house   then   over   the 
Bridge  to  W.  Joseph  Wetherbees  houfe  then  on  s'.'  Wether- 
bees Land  to  Elias  Hafkiels  Land   then    through   Hafkiel': 
Land   to   Deacon    Harrif':    Land   then   through   s'.'    Harrif^ 
Land  to  Hafkiel"*  Land  again  then  through  s.'  Hafkiels  to 
the  County  road  that  Leads  to  the  meeting  house  in  said 
Town  the  trees  marked  on  the  Northerly  side  of  said  road 
from  the  first  mentioned  jilace  by  us  the  Subfcribers 

David  Goodridge     )  o  i     ,. 

T         u  ^T'   II  Selectmen 

Joseph  Walker  y. 

Phinehas  Hart  well     r>-.   ,  , 
X,,..    ,    ,,      ,  I- itch  burg 

Elijah  Carter  *=* 


150  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Furthermore  tlie  above  Joseph  Weatherbee  promifes 
that  he  will  *4ive  a  road  road  through  his  Land  where  the 
town  shall  think  most  neadfull  when  requested  attest 

Joseph  Wetherbee 

The  town  Excepted  the  above  Defcribed  road  if  the 
Land  is  Given 

*33'y  We  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  to  regulate  a  former  road  Laid  out  for  Sam'.' 
Gibson  Jon-}  Brooks  Andrew  Grimes  Jo':  Heart  Phinehas 
Brown  Cap*  Joseph  Bellows  as  has  tofore  ben  Defcribed 
formerly  Laid  from  Sam'J  Gibsons  to  Capt  Flints  North 
East  &  Jo*:  Hearts  South  East  corner  being  near  together 
then  begining  betwixt  said  corners  runing  Southerly  on 
Land  of  Saml'  Herricks  a  few  rods  acrost  the  corner  to 
Cap*'  Joseph  Flints  Land  on  the  line  betwixt  said  Flints 
&  Herricks  the  width  of  s'.^  rode  all  on  said  Flints  Land 
down  to  the  East  End  of  s*?  Flints  barn  then  b}'  said  barn 
by  the  house  as  near  as  convenient  to  the  County  road 
Laid  for  a  two  rod  rode 

Dated  Fitchburg  March  \Qi^>  \111 

Phinehas  Hart  well  f  ^  ., , 

Charles  Willard       {Committee 

The  towm  voted  &  Excepted  the  former  road  Leading 
from  the  County  road  to  Saml'  Gibsons  as  is  above 
Defcribed  if  the  Land  is  Given 

3415-  Fitchburg  March  21V^  1777 

We  being  chofen  to  take  a  Surve\'  of  a  road  la3'ed  out 
b}'  the  Selectmen  from  Saml'  Gibsons  House  to  Capt  Flints 
according  to  our  orders  have  ben  &  find  that  the  Land  is 
very  bad  for  a  road  and  according  to  our  Judgments  the 
road  will  be  much  cheaper  to  Leive  that  road  By  m^  Harts 
old  Seller  through  s*^?  Harts  Land  to  Land  of  Phinehas 
Browns  &  through  s*?  Browns  Land  to  Land  of  W\  Her- 
ricks &  through  s^  Herricks  Land  to  Land  of  MT  Charles 
Willards  &  through  said  Willards  Land  to  the  count}^ 
road  s'.'  road  Lax^ed  out  by  marked  trees  till  it  comes  to 
Mr  Herricks  cleared   Land  &  to   the   w^est  of  s"?   Herricks 

*Now  known  as  Caswell  road.     [Annotation  on  the  margin.    W.  A.  D.] 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  151 

House  &  so  between   m':  Willards  house  and   and   barn  a 

two  rod  road  by  us 

Jon"  Wood      \      Towns 
Will'"  Thurlo  j  Committee 

[135]  The  town  voted  &  accepted  of  the  towns  com- 
mittee? report  with  regard  to  the  road  Laid  out  from 
Saml'  Gibsons  house  to  the  county  road  b}-  m":  Charles 
Willards  house 

35'-^  Voted  that  the  last  years  high  way  rates  that 
is  not  Collected  be  workt  out  by  the  lOV'  of  June  and 
that  the  Last  year  Surveyors  se  that  it  is  workt  out  by 
the  time  perfixcd 

36  Voted  that  the  swine  run  at  Large  under  the  reg- 
ulation of  the  Law     .... 

37  Voted  that  M^  A  fa  Perrys  Rates  Delivered  him  to 
Collect  Still  remain  in  his  hands  to  Collect  till  fall  meet- 
ing and  as  fast  as  collected  to  pay  to  the  Town  Treafury 

*38  Voted  to  chuse  a  committee  to  Lay  out  a  road 
from  Saml'   Gibsons  to  the  Count}'  road     .     .     . 

*39  Voted  that  Cap'  Jon-?  Wood  Cap^  Wv  Thurlo  & 
Joseph  Adams  be  the  Committee 

40  Votes  called  for  a  County  Register  and  brought  in 
sealed  up  &  A  return  made  on  the  warant  as  Directed 

This  meeting  adjurned  to  munday  31=:*^  Day  of  this 
Inftant  march  at  twelve  OClock 

March  31^*^  1777  meet  according  to  adjornment  the 
meeting  opened  &  proceeded  to  bifmefs 

41'-^'  Voted  &  chose  Air  Nicholas  Danforth  Conftable 
for  the  North  side Conftable 

This  meeting  Defolved 

David  Goodridge  Moderator 

Town  offercers  sworn 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  Thomas  Stearns  one  of  the 
Conftables  of  the  town  of  Fitchburg     .     .     .     Greeting 

These  are  therefore  in  the  name  of  the  government 
and  people  of  the  State  of  the  MalVachufetts  Bay  to  order 


*Tliis   a   niil'takc  in   reconliii^   sliuuld    have  been   3+'.v    &   3r>iv  &    the 
34-  where  this  is 


152  The  Old  Records  of  the 

&  Direct  you  forthwith  to  notify  the  freeholders  &  other 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  QualHfled  by  Law 
to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Aflemble  at  the  meeting 
house  in  Fitchburg  on  munday  the  Sl*:^  Day  of  this  Inftant 
march  at  One  OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  &  there  being 
Duly  meet  and    formed   to    act    on    the  following  articles 

viz 

!'>'  To  chuse  a  moderator  to  govern  s'.'  meeting 
2'>'  To  See  what  meafures  the  town  will  come  into 
Relative  to  raifing  the  coto  of  men  for  Service  of  this 
State  for  three  years  according  to  the  General  Corts  order 
&  compute  what  has  ben  already  done  in  carrying  on  the 
war  or  act  any  thing  refering  there  too  as  they  shall 
think  proper  when  meet  &c     .     .     . 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  a  return  of  this  warrant 
with  with  your  doings  therin  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or 
before  the  Da3^  [136]  and  time  above  mentioned  Given 
under  Our  hands  &  Seal  this  Seventeenth  Day  of  March 
and  in  the  3'ear  of  Our  Lord  1777 

David  Goodridge 
Phenihas  Hartwell    Selectmen 
Joseph  Walker  }        for 

Isaac  Gibson  F'itchburg 

Kendol  Boutell 

Worcefter:  fs :   March  31?^^  1777 

In  Obedience  to  wnthin  written  warrant  I  have  noti- 
fied and  warnd  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Tow^i  of  Fitchburg  Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in 
Town  meetings  to  affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting 
house  in  s^  Town  on  munday  the  31?*  Da^'  of  this  Inftant 
march  at  one  OClock  in  after  noon  to  act  on  the  articles 
herein  mentioned 

Attest    Tho?  Stearns  Conftable  for  Fitchburg 

At  a   Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the   Town 

of  Fitchburg  AlTembled  March  31?*  1777 

l^y    Voted  &  chose  David  Goodridge  Moderator 

2'y     The  Oueftion  being  put  to  see  if  the  town  will  act 

upon  the  2".^^  article    in   the   warrant  &   it    paffed    in    the 

Affirmative 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  153 

3'y    Voted  to  reconfuler  the  Last  vote 

This  meeting  DiColved 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcfter:  fs  To  Nicholas  Danlbrth  one  of  the 
Conltables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  these  are  therefore 
in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  &  peo])le  of  the  State  of 
the  Maffachufetts  Bay  to  order  and  direct  3'ou  forthwith 
to  Notify  Verberly  by  word  of  month  all  the  Freeholders 
&  other  Inhabitants  belonging  to  the  North  Company  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Ouallified  b^-  Law  to  vote  in 
Town  meetings  to  Affembly  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house 
in  Fitchburg  on  munday  the  ninth  Day  of  June  next  at 
two  OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  duly 
meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  (viz) 

l'>     To  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2  To  chuse  by  Ballot  sum  person  who  is  firmly 
atteached  to  the  American  c£iuse  to  procure  and  Lay 
before  a  Special  Court  of  Sefilons  of  the  Peace  to  be  held 
for  that  purpose  [l»i7]  the  Evidence  that  may  be  had  of 
the  inimical  difpofdions  towards  this  or  any  of  the  I'nited 
States,  of  any  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  who  who  shall 
be  charged  by  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
s^  Town  or  act  an}-  thing  refering  to  an  act  intitled  An 
Act  for  Securing  this  and  the  other  United  States  against 
the  Danger  to  which  they  are  Exposed  by  the  internal 
Enemies  thereof 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  w^arrant  with 
your  doings  theron  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Dav 
and  time  above  mentiond  Given  under  Our  hands  &  Seal 
at   Fitchburg    this   81':'^  Day   of  May    in    the    Year  of   Our 

^^°^f^  ^'^""  David  (Goodridge      1   ^  ,     , 

Phinehas  Hartwell      ^^'I'-'.^'t.nen 

lor 


Joseph  Walker  (  ,,./  \' 

"Isaac  Gibson  )  ^^'tchburj 


Worcefter:  fs :  In  Oljcdicnce  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant 1  have  warned  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Injiabi- 
tants^as  Directed  of  the  time  cK:  ])lace  of  this  meeting  and 
for  the  purpose  within  mentioned 

Nicholas  Danforth    Conftablc 


154  The  Old  Records  of  the 

(Seal)  Worccfter:  fs  To  Thomas  Stearns  one  of  the 
Conftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 

These  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Oovernment  &  people  of 
the  Maffachufetts  Bay  to  order  and  direct  you  forthwith 
to  Notify  Verbely  by  word  of  mouth  all  the  Freeholders 
&  other  Inhabitants  belonging  to  the  South  Company  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meeting  to  Affembly  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in 
I'^itchburg  on  munday  the  ninth  Day  of  June  next  at  two 
OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  &  their  being  duly  meet  and 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  (viz) 

I'.y  To  chuse  a  Moderator  to  govern  said  meeting 

2'7  T  chuse  by  ballot  sum  person  who  is  firmly  at- 
teached  to  the  American  Cause  to  procure  &  lay  before  a 
Special  Court  of  Seflions  of  the  Peace  to  be  held  for  that 
purpose  the  Evidence  that  may  be  had  of  the  inimical  dif- 
pofifsions  towards  this  or  any  other  of  the  United  States 
of  any  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  who  shall  be  charged  by 
the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  s*?  Town  or  act 
any  thing  refering  to  an  act  intitled  an  act  for  securing 
this  and  the  other  United  States  against  the  Danger  to 
which  they  are  Exposed  by  the  internal  Enemies  thereof 

Hereof  faiel  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  doings  thereon  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  Day  and  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  Our  Hands 
&  Seal  at  Fitchburg  this   30^^  Day  of  May  in  the  Year  of 

Our  Lord  1777 

David  Goodridge 
Phinehas  Hartw^ell 
Joseph  Walker 
Isaac  Gibson 


Selectmen 

for 
Fitchburg 


Worcefter  fs  June  9*^^  1777 —  In  Obedience  to  the  with- 
in written  warrant  I  have  notified  all  the  Free  holders  and 
other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  belonging 
to  the  South  Compy  Ouallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  said  Town  on 
munday  the  9!^  Day  of  this  Inftant  June  at  two  O  Clock 
in  the  afternoon  to  act  on  the  article  mention  in  said 
warrant 

Tho^  Stearns  Conftable 


Town  of  Fitckbiirgh.  155 

[18S]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchljurg  aHemljled  June  9^^  1777     .     .     . 

V>'  Voted  and  made  chose  of  Deacon  Goodridge  Mod- 
erator 

2'-^'  Made  chois  of  Mv  Phenihas  Hartwell  wliome  the 
Town  Prefumes  is  a  man  I-'irmly  atteached  to  the  Amari- 
can  Caufe  to  procure  and  Lay  Ijcfore  a  Special  Court  of 
Seffions  of  the  Peace  to  he  held  for  the  following  Purpofes, 
to  precure  the  Evidence  that  may  be  had  of  the  Enemical 
difpofifsions  towards  this  or  any  of  the  United  States,  of 
any  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  who  shall  be  Charged  by 
the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  s'.'  Town 

3'^  Voted  that  Joseph  Fox  &  Ephraim  Kimball  be  a 
Committee  to  go  and  purchase  a  Chist  of  Guns  to  be  sold 
in  the  Town  if  a  Sufficient  Number  of  Men  Engages  to 
purchase  the  Guns 

4'>'  Voted  to  adjurn  this  meeting  to  the  23V'^  Day  of 
this  prefent  June  at  two  OClock  in  the  afternoon  at  this 
place 

Joseph  I-'ox   Town  Clerk 

June  23r''  1777  The   Town   meet   according  to   adjorn- 
ment  and  adjorned  s^'  meeting  to  the  first  munday  in  Sep^ 
next  at  two  OClock  in  the  afternoon  at  the  Meeting  house 
in  s'^  Town 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

Sep^  l""}  \117  Then  meet  according  to  adjornment  and 
the  Meeting  opened  by  the  moderator  two  Selectmen  & 
the  Town  Clerk  Prefent  and  adjornd  this  meeting  to  the 
Last   Tusday   of   this    prefent   month    three   OClock   in    the 

afternoon   at  this  place 

Josei)h  Fox    Town  Clerk 

Sep^   30^''  1777 —    Meet   according  to   adjornment   and 

the  Town  voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  the  first 

munday   of  Dcemb':  next  at    two   OClock  in    the  afternoon 

at  this  place 

Joseph  Fox    Town  Clerk 

December  1^*^  1777  meet  according  to  adjornment  and 
the  meeting  o])ened  by  the   Moderator,  Three  Selectmen  cS: 


156  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Town  Clerk  Prefent  &  voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjorned 
to  the  Last  munday  in  this  prefent  month  at  two  OClock 
in  the  afternoon  at  this  place 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

Decemb'-  29^1^  1777 

Meet   according  to   adjornment  &  the   meeting  opened 
by  the    Moderator,   &   the   vote    being  put  to  see  if  this 
Meeting  be  Difolved,  &  it  pafsed  in  the  affermative 
The  Aieeting  was  accordingly  Difolved 

David  Goodridge  Moderator 
Jofeph  Fox  Town  Clerk 


[139]  (Seal)  Worcefter :  fs :  To  Nicholas  Danforth  one 
of  the  Conftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting  — 
These  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Government  & 
people  of  the  State  of  the  MafTachufetts  Bay  to  order  and 
direct  you  to  Notify  and  warn  all  the  freeholders  &  other 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallified  b_v  Law 
to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Affembly  and  meet  at  the 
Aleeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on  Munday  the  23T*^  Day  of 
this  prefent  June  at  two  OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  and 
their  being  duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following 
Articles  (viz) 

lly  To  chufe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  Meeting 

2'^  To  chuse  the  number  of  men  as  Specified  in  an  Act 
intitled  An  act  for  amending  and  more  Effectually  carrying 
into  Execution  and  act  to  prevent  Monopolv  and  Oppreflion 
made  in  this  prefent  year,  the  Said  persons  to  profecute  all 
breaches  of  s*?  act  for  proventing  Monopoly  and  oppreflion 
which  shall  come  to  their  Knowledge  or  act  an\'  thing 
refering  their  too  as  the3'  shall  think  proper 

3'7  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into 
with  regard  to  raifing  the  Remainder  of  the  Continential 
Soldiers  propotioned  for  this  Town  and  compute  what 
has  already  ben  dun  towards  carrying  On  this  prefent 
War  or  act  anj^  thing  refering  theirtoo  as  thev^  shall  think 
proper  when  meet 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
3^our    doings    theiron  to  sum   one  of  us   at   or  before  the 


Toivn  of  Fitchbjirgh. 


157 


time  above  mentioned     Given   under  Our  hands   and   Seal 

this  ninth  Day  of  June  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1777 

David  (loodridue      1  o  i     4- 

T  I,  w   11  Selectmen 

Joseph  W  alkcr  |         ,- 

Phenihas  Hartwcll  (  y^-,  ,  f 
J  n-\  I  I'ltchbur": 

Isaac  Gibson  J  '^ 

Worcefter :  fs :  In  Obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  of  the  time  &  place  and  for  the 
purpofcs  within   Mentioned  for  this  meeting 

Nicholas  Danforth    Conftable 


4'y  Voted  and  Chose  Maj":   EbnT  Bridge 

5'y  Voted  and  Chose  W  Afa  Perrv 

6'y  Voted  and  Chose  Mr   Sam"  He'rrick 

7'/  Voted  and  Chose  Mr    Elijah  Garfield 

8'7  Voted  and  Chose  Mv  Daniel  Farwell 


At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Affeml)lcd  June  23";''  1777  — 

1'7  Voted  Chose  Mr  Isaac  Gibson  Moderator 
2*7  The  Vote  was  put  to  see  if  the  Town  would  Chuse 
the  number  of  Men  as   Specified  in  the    Monopoly   Act   for 
the  purposes    Mentioned    in    said    Monopoly    Act,    And    it 
pafsed  in  the  Affirmative 

3'y  Voted  to  chuse  five  Men  for  the  purpofes  in  the 
warrant  for  this  meeting  in  the  2V''  Article 

The  five  men 

chofen    by    the 

Town   Excepted 

of  their  api)oint- 

ment  &  prom- 
ised  to  take  the 
Oath  when  re- 
(j nested   by 
yS  Selectmen 

[140]  y'7  The  vote  was  put  to  see  if  the  Town  would 
Eftimate  the  Cost  of  the  prefent  war  Each  Comi)y  by 
themfelvcs;  and  it  pafsed  in  the  Aflfermative 

1  ()'.>■  Voted  to  Cluifc  Seven  Men  to  Eftimate  what  lias 
ben  Don  in  the  prefent  War 

11'7   Voted  &  chose  Mr  Ebn-:   Bridge 

12'/   Voted  &  chose  Joseph  Fox 

13'.-^'   Voted  &  chose  Saml'   Farce 

14l>'   Voted  cS:  Chose  Daniel  Putnam         Committee 

15'7   Voted  cS:  chose  Daniel   I\-irwell 

IG'/    Voted  &  Chose  Cap^  Jon.'  Wood 

17'y   Voted  cS:  Chose  Cap^  "W"'  Thurlo 


158  The  Old  Records  of  the 

18'>'  A  vote  was  put  to  sec  if  the  Town  would  pay 
the  cost   of  the   War   when    Hftemated,   by   A   rate  of  the 

Town 

And  it  pafsed  in  the  Affermative     .     .     . 

19ly  Voted  that  the  Cap^  of  Each  CompY  the  vSelect- 
men  is.  Committee  be  impowered  to  borrow  a  Sufficient 
Sum  of  mone}'  to  pay  our  Continential  Soldiers  that  is 
not  paid  Sufficient  to  make  up  Our  Coto  of  Continential 
Soldiers  upon  the  Towns  Credit 

20'7  Voted  that  no  man  that  cannot  be  Legally 
Aflefsed  receive  any  money  out  of  the  Town  Treafury  by 
the  Eftamation  made  for  the  prefent  war 

21'y  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjornd  to  the  first 
Day  of  July  next  at  this  place  at  four  OClock  in  the 
afternoon 

July  !=:*  1777 

The  Town  meet  according  to  adjornment 

The  committee  that  was  appointed  to  Eftimate  what 
has  ben  don  in  the  prefent  war  has  attended  that  Service 
and  made  their  report 

22'-^'  It  was  put  to  vote  to  see  if  the  Town  would 
accept  of  the  Eftimation  made  by  the  Committee  and  it 
pafsed  in  the  Negative 

28'7  Voted  that  the  Cap^^  Selectmen  &  Committee  re- 
turn the  money  which  thc}^  was  ordered  to  borrow  to  pa}' 
Continential  Soldiers  that  is  not  already  procured     .     .     . 

24-'-'^  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difolved  and  the  arti- 
cles Stand  as  the}'  are  now  recorded 

Isaac  Gibson  Moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

[141]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  Nicholas  Danforth  one 
of  the  Conftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg   Greeting 

In  the  name  of  the  Government  and  people  of  the 
Maffachufetts  Bay  you  are  hereb}-  required  to  warn  all  the 
freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burg Ouallitied  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on 
Tusday  the  thirtieth   Dav   of  this  prefents   month   at  One 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  159 

OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  &  their  being  duly  meet  and 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  (viz) 

1'7   To  chuse  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .    .    . 

2'/  To  vote  the  Reverend  John  Payson  his  Salury  for 
the  Year  Enfuing  —  &  Likewife  to  see  if  the  Town  will 
make  any  Addition  to  his  Salury  for  the  year  Eniuing     .     . 

3'7   To  raise  money  for  the  School  for  the  year  Enfuing 

4'7  To  chuse  a  Committee  to  provide  a  School  or 
schools  for  the  ^-ear  Enfuing 

5*7  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  come  intoo  to 
provide  the  Reverend  John  Payson  his  wood     .     .     . 

6'7  To  raise  money  to  Support  Mifs  Hart  the  Year 
Enfuing 

7'7  To  have  all  i)ersons  thaf:  Done  Service  for  the 
Town  bring   in   their   acf:   and   raise   money    for   the   Same 

8'7  To  raise  money  to  Defray  Town  charges  for  the 
Year  Enfuing 

9'-^  To  see  if  the  Town  will  raise  money  for  the  Amini- 
tion  &  Guns  provided  by  the  Selectmen  for  the  Towns  I'se 
or  act  an}'  thing  refering  theretoo 

10'>'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  raise  money  to  purchase 
more  Aminition  &  (nins  for  the  Towns  Use     .     . 

ll'-^'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  come  into  sum  method 
that  the  money  paid  in  this  Town  to  hire  the  three  Years 
Continential  men  be  made  into  a  rate  or  act  any  thing 
refering  theretoo  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  return  of  this  warrant  to  sum 
one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  and  time  above  mentioned 
Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal  at  Eitchburg  this  fifteenth 
Day  of  Sep*;   and  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1777 

David  Goodridge 
Joseph  Walker 
Isaac  Gibson 
Kendol  Boutcll 


Selectmen 
Eor 

I-'itchburtr 


Worcefter:  fs :  In  Obedience  to  the  within  warrant  to 
me  Directed  I  have  warned  all  the  freeholders  «Jv:  other  In- 
habitants of  the  time  &  ])lace  of  this  meeting  &  for  the 
purpofes  within  mentioned 

Nicholas  Dcinforth   Conftable 


160  The   Old  Records  of  the 

[14'i]  At  a  Lepal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  lMtchl)urg  Affcmbled  Se])^   30^*^  1777     .     .     . 

!'>■  Voted  iK:  made  Chofe  of  Deaeon  (joodridge  as 
Moderator 

2'7  Voted  the  Reverend  John  Payson  his  Salury  whieh 
is £66  13  4 

3'-^'  Voted  to  make  Mr  Payson  snm  confideration  for 
the  Year  Enfuing 

4'y   Voted  to  reconfider  the  Last  vote 

5'7  Voted  to  raise  Thirty  pounds  to  Supjiort  the 
Schools  the  Year  Enfuing 30 

6'7  Voted  &  chose  David  Parce  Nicholas  Danforth 
Abraham  Farwell  Daniel  Farwell  &  Cap*  Cowdin  a  Com- 
mittee to  provide  Schools  the  Year  Enfuing 

7'y  Voted  to  give  Sam"  Parce  £7-0-0  for  giting  Mr 
Payson  Thirty  Cord  of  Good  Wood  One  whole  Year  begin- 
ing  the  first  of  Decmbr  Next  the  Wood  to  be  corded  up  at 
Mr  Paysons  house  Acording  to  Law  £7 

S'.y  Voted  to  Raise  Six  pounds  to  Support  Mifs  Hart 
One  whole  Year  the  money  to  be  paid  to  Mr   Poole     6 

9'7    Voted    to    allow    Cap*  Thomas    Cowdin    his  ace* 
which  is 0  19  - 

lO'J'  Voted  to  allow  Cap*  Reuben  Gibson  his  ac*  which 
is 2  8  3  p^ 

11'-^  Voted  to  allow  Afeph  Goodridge  his  ac*  which 
is 0  11  6 

12'>  Voted  to  allow^  Cap*  Goodridge  his  ac*  which 
is 0  8  0 

13'^  Voted  to  allow  Solomon  Steward  his  ac*  which 
is 1  16  0 

14'>'  Voted  to  allow-  Cap*  [on-?  Wood  his  ac*  in  part 
which  is 4  0  0 

15'>'  Voted  to  allow  Cap*  Goodridge  his  Ac*  for  Serv- 
ing as  Selectman  &  Affefsor  for  the  Year  past     .     .10  0 

16'5'  Voted  to  allow  Isaac  Gibson  his  Ac*  for  Serving 
as  Selectman  &  Affefsor  the  year  past 10  0 

17'>'  Voted  to  allows  Joseph  Walker  his  Ac*  for  Serving 
as  Selectman  &  Affefsor  the  Year  Past 10  0 

18'>'  Voted  to  allow  Phinehas  Hartwell  his  Ac*  for 
Serving  As  Selectman  &  Affefsor  the  Year  past     .     .10  0 


ToTvii  of  Fitchbjirgh.  161 

19'-^'  Voted  to  allow  four  of  the  Seleetmen  for  shillings 
Each  for  numbering  the  people  Last  winter  which  is    —  16  0 

20'-^'  Voted  to  Raise  Thirty  pounds  to  Defray-  Xefefary 
charges 30  0  0 

21'>  Voted  to  Raise  twenty  one  pound  Seven  shillings 
to  pay  for  the  Aminition  provided  by  the  Selectmen    217  0 

22'."'  Voted  to  Raise  Thirty  five  pounds  two  shillings 
to  pay  for  nine  (nins  purchafed  by  the  Selectmen  for  y^ 
Towns  Use 35  2  0 

23'y  Voted  to  sell  the  Nine  Guns  purchafed  by  the 
Selectmen  for  the  most  they  can  be  sold  for     .     .     . 

24'>'  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  Sell  the  Guns  and  be 
accountable  to  the  Town  for  what  they  sell  them  for  and 
to  rent  them  out  untill  sold  if  wanted 

[143]  25'y  Voted  to  raife  Thirty  pounds  to  purchafe 
Aminition  for  the  Towns  Use £30  0  0 

26'y  Voted  not  to  act  u]K)n  the  11^"^  Article  in  the  war- 
rant 

The  meeting  Difolved 

David  Goodridge   Moderator 
Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  Thomas  Stearns  one  of  the 
Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg Greeting     .    .    .    . 

These  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Government 
and  People  of  the  State  of  the  MaiTachufetts  Ba}'  to  order 
and  Direct  \'ou  forthwith  to  notify  b_v  Verbal  warning  the 
freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Aflemble 
at  the  Meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on  Munday  the  Seven- 
teenth Da}'  of  this  Inftant  November  at  one  OClock  in  the 
afternoon  then  &  their  loeing  duly  meet  and  formed  to  act 
on  the  following  articles  (viz) 

!'>■    To  Chufe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'>'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  into  Confideration 
&  Remonftrate  to  the  General  Court  against  a  Late  Act 
made  for  putting  large  Sums  of  the  Bills  of  Credit  Ivmit- 
tcd  by  this  State  on  Interest  on  the  first  Da\'  of  Decem- 
ber next  &  prohibiting  the  Currency  of  an\'  of  the  Bills 
of  the  United  States  on  Penalty  of  Five  pounds  &c  And 
1 1 


162  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Petition  for  a  Ketlrcfs  of  said  agrievences  or  act  any  thing 
thciron  as  they  shall  think  Propper     .... 

3ly  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  into  Confideration  a 
Late  Act  of  the  General  Court  for  providing  Necefsaries 
for  the  Families  of  the  non  Commifsioned  Offercers  and 
Soldiers  as  have  Engaged  in  the  Continential  Service  for 
this  Town  and  Act  any  thing  theiron  as  they  shall  think 
proper    .... 

4'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  agree  with  Mr  Ezra  Up- 
ton for  a  Certain  two  Rod  road  running  from  John  Car- 
ters Land  to  the  County  Road  or  act  any  thing  thereon 
as  they  shall  think  proper    .... 

5'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  abate  any  of  the  Rates  in 
an}'  of  the  Conftables  Lists  or  act  any  thing  Refering 
theirto  as  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  Warrant 
with  your  doing  theiron  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  and  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  Our  hands  & 
Seal  at  Fitchburg  this   Tenth   Day  of  NovT  &  in  the  Year 

of  Our  Lord  1777 

David  Goodridge 
N :  B  Sir  3'ou  are  to  Phinehas  Hartwell     Selectmen 

warn  all  the  South  Joseph  Walker         I  of 

side  as  heretofore —  Isaac  Gibson  Fitchburgh 

Kendal  Boutell         I 

[144]     Worcefter:  fs  Nov":  14*1^  1777     .     .     . 

In  Obedience  to  this  warrant  I  have  notified  the  In- 
habitants of  the  time  &  place  of  this  meeting  as  Defcribed 

in  said  warrant  &c 

Thomas  Stearns   Conftable 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  Nicholas  Danforth  one  of 
the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg     Greeting    .    .    . 

These  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Government 
and  people  of  the  State  of  the  Maffachufetts  Bay  to  order 
and  Direct  3'ou  forthwith  to  Notify  by  Verbal  Warning 
the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Ouallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
Alfemble  at  the   Meeting  House  in  Fitchburg  On  Mundav 


Town  of  FitchburgJi.  163 

the  Seventeenth  Day  of  this  Inftant  November  at  one 
OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  Duh'  meet 
&  formed  to  act  on  the  follo\vin<r  articles  (viz) 

1'7    To  chuse  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting   .    . 

2'.>'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  into  Confideration 
&  Remonftate  to  the  General  Court  against  a  Late  Act 
made  for  jjutting  Large  sums  of  the  Bills  of  Credit  Emit- 
ted by  this  State  on  Interest  on  the  first  Day  of  Decem- 
ber next  &  prohibiting  the  Currency-  of  any  of  the  Bills 
of  the  United  States  on  ])enalty  of  Five  pounds  &c.  and 
pertition  for  a  Redrefs  of  said  agrevences  or  act  any 
thing  theiron  as  they  shall  think  proper     .... 

3'.-^  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  into  Confideration  a 
Late  Act  of  the  General  Court  for  providing  Necefsaries  for 
the  familyes  of  the  Xon  Commiffioned  Offercers  &  Soldiers 
as  have  Engaged  in  the  Continential  Service  for  this  Town 
or  act  an}-  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper     .     . 

4'>'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  agree  with  M''  Ezra 
Upton  for  a  certain  two  rod  road  Running  from  John 
Carters  Land  to  the  Count}'  Road  or  act  any  thing  theiron 
as  they  shall  think  Proper     .... 

5'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  abate  any  of  the  Rates  in 
any  of  the  Conftables  Lists  or  act  any  thing  Refering 
their  too  as  the}'  shall  think  proper 

Here  of  fail  not  &  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  doings  theiron  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  and  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  Hands 
&  Seal  at  Fitchburg  this  Tenth  Day  of  Nov^  And  in  the 
Year  of  Our  Lord  1777     .... 

David  Goodridge 
N:  B  riiinchas  Hartwell    Selectmen 

Sir  you  are  to  warn  Joseph  Walker  for 

all  the  North  side  Isaac  Gibson  Fitchburg 

as  here  tofore Kendal  Boutell 

[14.'>1  Worcefter:  fs :  In  Obedience  to  the  within  war- 
rant I  have  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants Ouallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
meet  at  the  time  <S:  ])lace  within  Mentioned 

Nicholas  Danforth   Conftable 


164  The  Old  Records  of  the 

At  a  Lcf^al  meeting:  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Affcniblcd  NovV   17^!^   1777 

I'.y  Voted  and  Chose  MV  Phinehas  Hartvvell  Moder- 
ator 

2'7  Voted  to  Act  upon  the  second  Article  in  the  War- 
rant 

3'/  Voted  to  Remonftrate  to  the  Great  and  General 
Court  for  the  Redrefs  of  the  agrevances  mentioned  in  the 
Second  Article  in  the  Warrant  and  Lay  it  before  the 
Town  for  confideration 

4'y    Voted  to  Chuse  five  men  as  a  committee 

5iy  Voted  and  Chose  W.  Phinehas  Hartwell  Majr 
Bridge  Liev^  Abraham  Gibson  Cap*  Joseph  Flint  &  Liev* 
Kendal  Boutell  the  Committee 

6'7  Voted  to  pafs  Over  the  Third  Article  in  the  War- 
rant to  certain  time  when  this  meeting  shall  be  adjorned 

7'^  Voted  to  chuse  a  Committee  to  Settle  with  M*" 
Ezra  Upton  with  regard  to  the  road  Leading  from  John 
Carters  Land  to  the  County  Road 

8'y    Voted  to  chuse  three  men  for  the  Committee 

917    Voted  &  chose  Mr   Phinehas  Hartwell 

lOly   Voted  &  chose  Mf  Isaac  Gibson 

Illy   Voted  &  chose  Cap*  Joseph  Flint 

12^7  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  munday 
the  24*^  of  this  prefent  Month  at  one  OClock  in  the  after- 
noon at  this  place 

Nov':   24*.^  1777. 

The  Town  meet  according  to  adjornment 
13'y  Voted  to  chuse  a  Committee  as  was  mentioned  in 
a   Late    act    of    Court    to    Surply    the    non   CommifTioned 
Ofiercers  and  Private  Soldiers  Engaged  in  the  Continential 
Army  with  the  Neceffaries  of  Life  as  mentioned  in  said  Act 
14'y  Voted  to  Chuse  three  as  a  Committee 
15^y  Voted  &  chose  Deacon  Thurftin  [  ,, 

16iy  Voted  &  chose  Cap*  jon-^  Wood  {  ^  ..^ 

17iy  Voted  &  chose  Cap*  Reuben  Gibson   [  '-ommittee 

18ly  The  Remonftance  Drew  up  by  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  send  to  the  General  Court  presented  it  to  the 
Town  and  the  Town  Confidered  it  and  Voted  to  accept  it 
and  send  it  to  the  General  Court 


Town  of  Fitchbnrgh.  165 

19'y    Voted    that    the  Town   Clerk   Draw  a   Coppy   of 
the  Remonftance  &  send  it  to  the  General  Court  and  Sign 
it  in  the  Behalf  of  the  Town 
The  meeting  Difolved 

Phinehas  Hartwell    Moderator 
Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

[146]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  Nicholas  Danforth 
One  of  the  Conftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh — Greet- 
ing  

In  the  name  of  the  Government  and  people  of  the 
Maffachufetts  Bay  you  are  hereby  ordered  to  warn  all 
the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  s''  Town  Quallif\'ed 
by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Aflemble  &  meet  at 
the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on  Thursday  the  fifth 
Day  of  February  next  at  One  OClock  in  the  afternoon 
then  &  their  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  Act  on  the  fol- 
lowing articles  (viz) 

1'7    To  chuse  a  moderator  to  govern  said  meeting    .    . 

21^  To  take  into  confideration  a  Late  Act  of  the  Gen- 
eral Court  Enabling  such  Towns  as  incline  to  raise  such 
sums  of  money  for  the  purpose  of  Leffening  their  propo- 
tion  of  the  publick  Debt  or  any  part  or  act  any  thing 
refering  theretoo  as  they  shall  think  proper  when  meet 

3'y  To  see  if  the  town  will  tnke  into  Confideration, 
The  confederation  sent  out  by  the  Contincntial  Congrefs 
to  the  Several  States  which  is  communicated  to  the  Several 
Towns  in  this  State  by  our  General  Court  for  their  Appro- 
bation or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper 
when  meet 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  doings  thereon  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
time  above  mentioned  Given  under  Our  Hands  &  Seal  at 
P'^itchburg  this  Twenty  third  Day  of  January  in  the  Year 
of  Our  Lord  1778     ... 

David  Goodridgc 
Phinehas  TL'irtwell     Selectmen 
losej)!!  Walker  I\)r 

Isaac  Gibson  I-'itchburg 

Kendal  Bo u tell 


166  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Worcefter:  fs  In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  notified  all  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  Qual- 
lifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  affenible  and 
meet  at  the  time  &  place  and  for  the  purpofes  within  men- 
tioned 

Nicholas  Danforth   Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Afsembled  February  5*^  1778 

I'y  Voted  &  chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator 

2'7  Voted  not  to  raise  any  money  as  mentioned  in  the 
2°^  article  in  the  warrant  in  order  to  Lefsen  our  Publick 
Debt    .     .     . 

31^  Voted  to  Concur  with  the  Confederation  sent  out 
by  the  Congrefs  of  the  United  States 

This  meeting  Difolved    David  Goodridge  Moderator 

Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

[147]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs:  To  Thomas  Stearns  one  of 
the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg     .     .     .     Greeting 

These  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Government  & 
people  of  the  State  Maffachufetts  Bay  to  order  and  direct 
you  forth  with  to  notify  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallif3'ed  by  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Affembly  at  the  meeting  houfe 
in  Fitchburg  on  munday  the  Second  Day  of  March  next 
at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenoon  then  &  their  being 
duly  meet  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following 
articles 

11-^    To  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  Said  meeting 

2'7  To  chuse  Tow^n  offercers  for  the  Year  Enfuing  as 
the  Law  directs 

3'7  To  provide  for  the  poor  and  Endigent  persons  of 
said  Town  and  in  w^hat  way  and  manner  as  shall  be 
thought  most  proper 

4-'7  To  grant  money  for  repairing  the  highways  the 
prefent  ^-ear  or  act  any  thing  refering  theretoo  as  thev 
shall  think  proper    .... 

S'.y  To  Accept  of  such  roads  as  the  Town  shall  think 
nefefary  that  are  laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  or  their  order 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  167 

6ly  To  have  all  the  Surveyors  of  Highways  &  highwa3' 
Collectors  for  the  Year  past  to  make  a  return  of  their 
Collections  and  what  is  behind  in  their  Lists  to  the  Town 
the  Day  &  time  above  mentioned  for  further  orders  as 
shall  be  thought  most  proper  by  y*^  town 

7'7  To  see  if  the  swine  ma\'  go  at  Large  under  the 
Regulation  of  the  Law  the  Enfuing  3'ear 

8'/  To  here  the  report  of  the  Reckning  with  The  Town 
Treafury  for  the  Year  past 

9'7  To  see  if  the  Town  will  allow  AK  l*ooles  corner  to 
have  the  school  mone^-,  that  they  neglected  schooHng  out 
Last  year 

10'7  To  see  what  method  the  South  Militia  Company 
under  the  command  of  Cap*  Jon?  Wood  in  said  Town 
will  take  to  raise  that  part  of  money  which  is  3'et  Due. 
That  the  Selectmen  &  Committee  of  Said  Town  was  im- 
poured  to  borrow  for  the  Use  of  Hireing  Continential 
Soldiers  which  said  Selectmen  &  committee  are  on  behalf 
of  said  Compan}'  accountable  for  or  act  any  thing  refer- 
ing  theretoo  as  they  shall  think  proper  to  Difcharge  said 
Town 

11'/  To  see  how  the  Town  will  dispose  of  the  money 
which  the  Selectmen  have  rec^  for  the  provifions  sent  to 
the  Soldiers   at  Concord   fight  or  any  thing  refering  there 

too 

David  Goodridge 
Phinehas  Hartwell    Selectmen 
Joseph  Walker  \        for 

Isaac  Gibson  Fitchburg 

Kendal  Boutell 
Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  doings  thereon  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
day  and  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hands 
and  Seal  at  Fitchburg  this  ninth  Day  of  february  &  in 
the  Year  of  our  Lord  177S     .     .     . 

[14S]     Worcefter:  fs   March  2'"'  1778     .     .     . 

In  Obedience  to  this  warrant  I  have  Xotifycd  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallifyed  by  Law  to 
Vote  in  Town  meeting  to  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in 
said  Town  on  Munday  the  Second   Day  of  March  next  at 


168  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Nine  OClock  in  the  morning  in  order  to  act  on  the  articles 
mentioned  in  Said  warrant  &c 

Thomas  Stearns  Coni table 


At  a   Legal   meeting  of  the  Inhabitants   of  the  Town 

of  Fitchburg  AlTembled  xMarch  2l>^'  1778     .     .     . 

V?  Voted  &  made  Choife  of  Deacon    David   Goodridge 

Moderator 

2ly  Voted  &  chose  Deacod  Goodridge  1^*  Selectman 
3'7  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  2"*^  Selectman 
4'7  Voted  &  chose  Liev*   Abraham  Gibson  3'"'^  Selectman 
5ly  Voted  &  chose  Liev^   Elijah  Carter  4*^  Selectman 
6ly  Voted  &  chose  M":  Thomas  Hartwell  5<^^  Selectman 
7^7  Voted  &  chose  Joseph  P'ox  Town  Clerk    .    .    .    Town 

Clerk 

8'7  Voted  &  chose  Joseph  Fox  Town  Treafury     .    Town 

Treafury 

Committy  of 

Corrifpondence 

in  ("pec t ion 

&  Safty 

12ly  Voted  and  chose  Mr  Afa  Perry     .     .     .     Conftable 

for  the  South  side 

ISly  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Joseph  Adams     .     .     Conftable 

for  the  North  side 

14V^'  Voted    to   Excuse   Mr    Afa   Perr^-   being  Conftable 

for  the  south  side  this  Year 

15'7  Voted  &  chose  M':  Jefse  French     .     .     .     Conftable 

for  south  side 

161^  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Joseph  Sawyer         /  ^^      -, 
\T7  Voted  &  chose  Mr   W"^  Brown  \  waraens 

ISly  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Nicholas  Danforth       /  Tything 
19^7  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Paul  Wetherbee  (     men 

20'7  Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  Affefsor  .  Affefsors 
21'y  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Reuben  Gibson  Junr  Cap*  Jon-? 
Wood  M''  Sam'.i  Harrifs  Junr  M":  Oliver  Stickney  Mr  Tho? 
Stearns  Mr  Abraham  Farwell  Mr  John  Parks  &  Mr  Jona- 
than Holt  Surveyer  of  Highways  &  Collectors  of  the  high- 
wa3'  Taxes  ....  Surveyer  of  Highways  &  Collector  of 
highway   Taxes 


91^  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Isaac  Gibson 
IOI7  Voted  &  Chose  M''  Joseph  Walker 
V\}J  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Daniel  Putnam 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  169 

22'7  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Jofhua  Farce  &  John  Bufs  .  . 
Dear  Reves 

23'7  Voted  &  Chose  M-:  John  Rufs  &  Peter  Xurs  .  . 
Fire  wards 

24ly  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Elijah  Macintire  W.  Ebn-:  Pol- 
ley  Mr  Thomas  Kimball  &  AK  Maximillion  Jewett  .  .  . 
Hog  Reves 

25'7  Voted  &  chose  W\  Solomon  Steward  .  .  Sur- 
ve^'or  of  Shingles  &  Clabbords 

[14i)]  26'>-  Voted  &  chose  Cap^  Jonathan  Wood  .  . 
Surveyor  of  hoops  &  Staves 

27'7  Voted  &  chose  W.  Jofhua  Goodridge  &  Mr  Amos 
Ordeway Fence   Vewers 

28l>'  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Kendal  Bancroft  .  .  .  Sealer 
of  Lother 

29'7  Voted  &  chose  Mr  David  Farce  .  .  .  Sealer  of 
Weights  &  meafures 

30'7  \'oted  that  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  pa}'  Mr  James 
Poole  fifteen  pounds  to  Board  Mif^  Heart  One  whole 
3'ear  and  so  in  propotion  provided  She  should  not  live 
the  year  out £5  0  0 

31'7  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjorncd  to  Munda}" 
the  ninth  Day  of  this  Inftant  March  at  nine  OClock  in 
the  forenoon  at  this  place     .     .     . 

March  9^^   1778     .... 

The  Town  meet  according  to  adjornment  &  proceeded 
upon  Befmef 

32'.>'  Voted  that  Each  man  that  works  upon  the  high 
ways  the  Prefent  ^-ear  be  allowed  1/4-  for  Each  hours 
work  upon  the  Spot 

33'.>'  Voted  that  A  pair  Oxen  Cart  (S:  Flow  be  as 
much  more  in  propotion  as  A  man  has  by  the  hour  more 
than  rfeal  for  highway  work     .... 

34'.>  Voted  to  Raise  One  hundred  <!<:  Fifty  pounds  to 
mend  the  highways  this  prefent  Year    .... 

35'.>'  Voted  to  Difcontinue  a  Certiiin  road  Laid  out 
b}'  the  Towns  Committee  March  27M^  1777-,  Through 
Mr  Charles  Willards  Land  &  Samuel  Herricks  till  it  comes 
to  Land  of  Fhinchas  Browns  tv:  then  through  A  corner  of 
Phinehas  Browns  till  it  comes  near  Harts  Seller  Hole     .     . 


170  The  Old  Records  of  the 


Committee  to 
lay  out  a  rode 
from  Saml'  Gib- 
sons House  to 
the  County 
Road 


SG'.y  Voted  &  Chose  M":  Sam"  Gibson 
M":  Lemuel  Ilafkiel  M'Jon'.'  Brooks  MV  Jo": 
Hart  MV  Phinehas  Brown  Cap*  Joseph 
Fhnt  &  Cap!^  Reuben  (libson  a  committee 
to  Lay  out  a  road  from  Mr  Saml'  Gibson*? 
House  to  the  County  Road     ... 

87'.>'  Voted  that  the  Last  Years  Surveyers  of  highways 
see   that   the   whole   of   their   Rates   be   workt   out   by    the 

Tenth  of  June  next 

38V^'  Voted    that  the    Swine   Run   at    Large  this    Year 
under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law     .     .     . 

391^  Voted   to   Except  of  the  Town   Treafury^    act    as 
they  stand  Setled  with   the  Selectmen   which  is  as  follows 

viz 

They  find  in  Lievt  Silas  Snows  hands  .  .  £3  6  8  2 
They  find  in  Solomon  Stewards  hands    .     .       5     0     0  0 

They  find  in  Afa  Perrys  hands 13  15     3  0 

Thc}^  find  in  Phinehas  Sawyer?  Ju*:  hands  6  18  8  1 
They  find  in  Cap^.  Reuben  Gibsons  hands  .24  8  7  — 
They  find  in  Tho!  Stearns^  hands  for  the 

year  1776 15     5     1  1 

[150]     They    find  in    Nicholas    Danforths 

hands £122  16     2  0 

They  find  in   Tho!  Stearns?  hands  ibr  the 

year  1777 118     4  11  0 

They  find  in  the  Town   Treafury?   hand     .     37     4     0  3 
They  alfo  find  a  note  in  the  Town  Treas- 
ury?   hand    the    Towns    property    signd    \iy 
Francies  Fullum  Dated  DecembT  31?*  1772  on 

Interest  contents  of  said  note 2     2     0  3 

401-^'  Voted  that  the  school  money  belonging  to  \\\ 
Pools  corner  the  last  3'ear  be  not  allowed  to  them  as  it 
was  not  schooled  out  in  the  time  perfixed     .... 

411^  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  Eleventh  article  in  y^  war- 
rant     

42l>  Voted  to  Reconfider  the  Last  vote  .  .  . 
43'.y  Voted  that  all  the  mone3'  that  was  rec'.^  b}-  the 
Selectmen  for  the  Provifions  that  was  carried  to  Our  peo- 
ple at  Concord  fight,  Excepting  Two  pounds  Thirteen 
shillings  &  4"?  Be  paid  to  The  Reverend  John  Payson,  which 
sum   of   two   pounds    Thirteen  shillings   &  4^^  be  paid    to 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  171 

Majr   Ebn":  Bridge  &   Tho^   Cowdin  Jun":  the  full  sum  the 

Selectmen  Rec'.'  was  £14-11-0 £11   17  8 

the  above  paid 

44'7  Voted  a  chose  Afa  Terry  Conftablc  for  the  south 
side Conftable 

Fitchburg  Febr^  2?^  1778     .     .     . 

A  two  rod  road  Laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  begining  at 
a  small  hemlock  tree  near  Kendoll  Houtell":  house  Kuning 
North  till  it  comes  to  Land  that  Tho*  Cowdin  sold  to 
Tho'f  Hill  and  Land  that  said  Cowdin  sold  to  James  Pat- 
terson till  it  comes  to  Land  now  in  Poflefsion  of  said 
Cowdin  then  make  a  turn  till  said  Road  comes  to  the 
East  line  of  said  Cowdins  Land  then  Runs  on  the  East 
Side  of  said  Cowdins  Land  or  as  near  as  ma}^  be  till  said 
road  Strikes  Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  Land  and  the  Land  given 
to  the  said  Town  of  Fitchburg  provided  the  town  procures 
a  Road  through  said  Hodgskins  &  Paul  WetherbeC:  Land 
and  said  Road  Defcribed  by  marked  trees  on  the  West 
side  of  Said  road 

Tho**  Cowdin 

Alfo  a  two  Rod  road  laid  out  through  a  corner  of 
Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  Land  till  it  comes  to  Land  ownd  by 
Paul  Wetherbee  Called  the  ridge  so  through  said  Wether- 
bee^  Land  till  it  comes  to  the  Pitch  of  the  Hill  at  the  End 
of  the  ridge  then  through  a  small  corner  of  s'^  Hodgskins': 
Land  till  it  Strikes  the  Town  Road 

David  Goodridgc  j   Selectmen 
Isaac  Gibson  i         I-'or 

Joseph  Walker       J  I-'itchburgh 

The  above  Defcribed  Road  Excejjted  by  the  Town  & 
the  Land  Given  by  Tho*:  Cowdin  Hezekiah  Hodgskins  & 
Paul  Wetherbee 

[151]     Fitchburgh  Febry  G^'^  1778     .     .     . 

*  Laid  out  for,  &  requested  b}'  Edward  Scott  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchijurgh,  a  two  Rod  road  begining  at  a  former 
Road  Laid  out  by  the  Courts  committee  for  the  I'se  of 
said  Farm  which  Leads  to  Lunenburg,  first   begining  near 

"Discontinued.     [Annotation  on  tlic  inarjiin.     W.  A.  I».J 


172  The  Old  Records  of  the 

a  Certain  Great  Rock  in  said  Scotts  Land  at  the  End  of 
the  above  mentioned  Road  Riming  up  againft  the  Barn 
then  turning  up  between  the  two  Dwelling  houses  from 
thence  going  South  through  the  Orchard  to  the  Common 
Land  and  through  the  Common  about  3  or  4  Score  Rods 
to  Mr  Scotts  New  purchase  Runing  all  on  said  Scotts 
Land  to  a  former  Road  Runing  from  Ebnr  Thurftins  Houfe 
to  the   Aleeting  house,  treefe  marked   on  the   Eafterly  side 

of  said  Road 

Ifaac  Gibson  ^  Committee  appointed 

Phinehas  Hartwell  \      By  the  Selectmen 
Edward  Scott  J  for  the  above  purpofe 

This  road  Excepted  by  the  Town  and   the  Land  given 

by  Edward  Scott 

This  meeting  adjorned  by  the  Moderator  to  the  Last 
munday  of  this  preafent  month  at  One  O  Clock  in  the 
afternoon  at  this  place 

March  30^^  1778 

The  town  meet  according  to  adjornment  and  proceeded 

to  befmefs 

This  is  to  Certify  to  the  Town  that  we  as  a  committee 
have  Laid  out  a  road  from  Mv  Harts  old  Seller  upon  M^ 
Phinehas  Browns  &  MT  Harts  Line  they  being  willing  to 
give  their  Land  then  coming  upon  the  line  between  M^ 
Herricks  &  M^  Harts  they  being  willing  to  give  their  Land 
if  M";  Herrick  can  have  a  Road  from  his  houfe  through  MT 
L.  Macintires  Land  to  the  County  Road  without  any 
charge  to  the  Town  for  the  Land  of  said  Road  then  com- 
ing upon   the   Land   of   Mf  Jacob   Uptons  to  the  County' 

Road 

Saml^  Gibson 
Lemuel  Hafkiel 
Joseph  Hart 

Jonathan  Brooks  J  Committee 
Phinehas  Brown 
Joseph  Flint 
Reuben  Gibson 
The  Town  voted  &  Excepted   the  whole  of  the  Roads 

as  above  Defcribed  if  the  Land  is  given 

This  meeting  Difolved 

David  Goodridge  Moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  173 

[152]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs ;  To  Joseph  Adams  one 
oi'  the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  greeting  these 
are  therefore  in  the  Name  and  Ooveinment  &  people  of  the 
Mafsaehufetts  Bax-  to  order  and  direct  you  forthwith  to 
Notify  the  Free  holders  &  other  Inhabetants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  Quallifved  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meet- 
ings to  Affeml)le  at  tlie  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  On  the 
30^h  Day  of  this  Inftant  march  at  twelve  of  the  Clock  of 
s'.'  Day  then  t^  their  being  duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on 
the  following  Articles  (viz) 

I'y   To  chose  a  Moderator  to  Govern  s''   meeting     .     . 

2'7  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into  con- 
cerning repairing  the  great  P)ri(lge  near  the  meeting  house 
or  act  any  thing  Refering  theirto  as  it  has  ben  requested 
By  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town 

3'7   To    see   if  the    Town    will   take   The    Reverend    M'. 
Payfsons  request  into  Coniidcration  or  act  any  thing  refer- 
ing thereto  as  thcN'  shrdl  think  jiroper 

4l>'  To  if  the  Town  will  take  into  coniidcration  the 
State  of  the  Continential  Soldiers  that  h^ngaged  for  said 
Town  &  here  their  Recjuest  or  act  any  thing  thereto  as 
they  shall  think  jiroper 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  doings  therein  to  Sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day 
and  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hands  &  seal 
at  h'^itchburg  this  twelth  Day  of  this  Inftant  march  ami  in 

the  Year  of  Our  Lord   177S 

David  Good  ridge      I 

Fhinehas  Hart  well  |   Selectmen 

Abraham  Gibson 

Elijah  Carter 

Thomas  Hartwcll 


For 

Filclil)iirL;li 


Worcefter:  fs   March  ?AY^'  177S 

In  obedience  to  the  w  itliin  w  litcn  wanant  1  have  noti- 
fyed  6i:  warned  all  the  free  holders  iS:  other  Inhal)itants  of 
the  Town  of  h'itchburg  to  meet  at  the  time  cv:  Place  as 
within   I\c(|uested 

Jose])h  Adams  Conltablc  for  Fitclibm^h 


174  The  Old  Records  of  the 

At  a  leagal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitehburg  Affenihled   Mareh    HO^'^   1778     .     .     . 

ll>'  Voted  &  chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator 

2'/  Voted  to  chuse  a  committee  to  take  care  of  the 
great  Bridge  near  the  Senter  of  the  Town  &  to  keep  it  in 
good  repair  the  prefent  year 

3ly    Voted  to  chuse  three  men  for  the  )       Committee 
Committee  j     to  take  care 

4'7     Voted  &  chose  Joseph  Adams  Jo-  J     of  the  Bridge 
seph  Walker  &  Cap*  Cowdin  to  be  of  the      near  the  Sentr 
Committee  J  of  the  Town 

51-^'  It  was  iHit  to  vote  to  see  if  the  Bridge  should  be 
covered  with  Oak  plank  which  the  Committee  is  to  take 
care  off.  and  it  pafsed  in  the  Affermative 

6'7  Voted  that  William  Brown  be  one  of  the  Commit- 
tee to  take  care  of  the  Bridge  near  the  Senter  of  the 
Town  in  the  Rome  of  Joseph  Walker 

[153]  Vy  Voted  that  Deacon  Thurstins  Liev^  Boutell 
Cap^  Joseph  Flint  &  M^  Joseph  Walker  be  a  Committee 
to  carry  the  Subfcribtion  paper  or  papers  about  to  the 
Inhabitants  of  Said  Town  to  subfcribe  sum  of  the  Neffef- 
arys  of  Life  or  any  thing  they  please  to  Subfcribe  for  Mr 
Paysons  support     .... 

8'.^'  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjurned  to  the  13*.** 
Day  of  April  next  at  One  OClock  in  the  afternoon  at  this 
place     .... 

David  Goodridge  moderator 

April  IS*}*  1778 

The  Town  meet  according  to  adjornment 

9'y  Voted  &  chose  Mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  Moderator 
in  the  rome  of  Deacon   Goodridge  who  was  abfent     .     .     . 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Town  to  carry  the 
Subfcribtion  papers  about  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Fitchburg 
to  Subfcribe  sum  of  the  Nefefarys  of  Life,  for  M":  Paysons 
support  as  a  prefent  to  him,  made  their  report  to  the 
Town  and  Prefented  it  to  him,  which  was  kindly  Ex- 
cepted by  \\\  Payson,  and  s'.^  he  was  well  Satisfied  with 
what  the  Town  had  dun,  untill  Sep*  next  whis  will  be 
one  year  from  the  time  the  Subfcribtion   paper  was  Dated 


Toivn  of  Fitchbjirgh.  175 

The  meeting  Difolved 

Phinehas  Hartwcll   moderator 
Joseph  Fox    Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter :  Is:  To  Ala  Perry  one  of  the  Con- 
ftables  for  the   Town  of  Fitchburg     ....     Greeting 

These  are  in  the  Name  of  the  (lovernnient  <S:  j^eople  of 
the  State  of  the  MalTachufetts  Bay  To  order  and  direct  you 
forthwith  for  to  Notify  &  Warn  all  the  Voatable  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  to  Aflemble  and  meet  att 
the  meeting  house  in  said  Town  on  munday  yS  13*^  of 
April  next  at  One  OClock  in  the  afternoon  of  s^'  Day  then 
&  their  being  Duly  mett  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following 
articles 

I'.y   To  chuse  a  Moderator  to  Govern  Said  meeting 

2'.y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Accept  of  the  List  of  Jure- 
men  as  fixed  b\'  the  Selectmen,  And  make  return  of  your 
doings  to  sum  one  of  us  on  or  before  said  Day  Given 
under  Our   hands  &  Seal  at  Fitchburg  this  30*1'  of  March 

1778 

David  Goodridge  1  Selectmen 
Abraham  (Gibson  \        For 
Tho':   Hartwcll      (  I-'itchburg 

Worcefter  fs  In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I  have 
notifyed  the  Inhabitants  as  within  Directed 

Fitchburg  April  13^'^  177S  Afa  Perry  Conftable 

[154r]     At   a  legal   meeting  of  the   Inhabitants   of   the 

Town  of  Fitchburgh  Affeml)lcd  April  13'^  1778 

I'.y   Voted  &  Chose  Liev^    Ivlijah  Carter  Moderator 
2l>'   Voted  to  Except  of  the  list  of  Juremen  as  fixed  by 
the  Selectmen 

The  meeting  Difolved 

Elijah  Carter    Moderator 
Joseph  Fox    Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  Is:  To  Afa  Terry  one  of  the  Con- 
ftables  of  the  Town  of  h'itehburg  (Greeting  These  arc  in 
the  name  of  the  (Tovernment  «!v  i)eople  of  the  State  of  the 
Maffachusetts    Bav    to  order   and   direct    vou   forthwith  to 


176  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Notify  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhnbitants  of  the  South 
Compy  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallifyed  by  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  meeting,  by  Verble  warning  to  Aflemble  at 
the  meeting  house  in  Fitch1:)urg  on  Friday  the  Eight  day  of 
this  Inftant  may  at  five  OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  and 
their  being  duly  meet  and  Formed  to  act  on  the  following 
articles  (viz) 

1'-^'     To  chose  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'7  To  see  what  method  the  town  will  dispose  of  the 
money  that  the  General  Court  has  allowed  To  the  Town 
for  Each  man  they  shall  Engage  for  the  Continential  Ser- 
vice for  said  Town  agreable  agreable  to  the  refolve  of  s^' 
Court  or  act  any  thing  refering  theretoo  as  they  shall 
think  proper    .     .     . 

3'7  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  any  other  method 
befides  drafting  or  with  Drafting  as  the  cafe  may  require 
to  raise  men  for  the  War  &  make  a  Just  Estimation  on 
what  Each  man  has  done  in  the  prefent  war  from  the 
begining  of  Said  War  and  raise  men  for  the  future  by  a 
rate  in  said  Town  for  an}'  Detachment  whatsoever  or  act 
an}'  thing  refering  theretoo  as  they  shall  think  proper    .    . 

Here  of  Fail   not    and    make    return   of  this   warrant 

with   your   doings   therein   to   sum   one  of  us  at   or  before 

the    time    above    mentioned    Given   under  Our  hands   and 

Seal  at  Fitchburg  this  Eight  Da}'  of  May   before  the  time 

of  meeting  and  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1778 

Phinehas  Hartwell  (  o  i     ^ 

\  1      u         ^-u  Selectmen 

Abraham  Gibson      j         r 

Elijah  Carter  )  p:.„uu„-.^ 

Tho-   Hartwell  (  ^^^cliburg 

Worcefter :  f s :  In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  verbally  warned  the  Inhabitants  of  the  South  side  of 
the  Town  to  meet  at  place  and  time  appointed 

Afa  Perry  Conftable 

Fitchburg  may  y?   S*''  1778 

[155]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  M''  Joseph  Adams 
One  of  the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Government  and  people 
of  the  State  of  the  MalTachufetts  Bav  to  order  and  direct 


Tozvn  of  Fitchhirgh.  177 

you  forthwith  to  Notify  all  the  Freeholders  and  other  In- 
habitants of  the  North  Company  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burg  QualHfyed  b}'  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  by  Verbal 
warning  to  Affemble  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on 
Friday  the  Eighth  Day  of  this  Inftant  may  at  five  of  the 
Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  Duly  meet  & 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles 

(viz)  Vy  To  chose  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meet- 
ing 

2'7  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  Dispose  of  the 
money  that  the  Greart  and  General  Court  has  allowed  or 
Devoted  to  the  Town  for  Ecich  man  they  shall  Engage  for 
the  Continential  Service  for  said  Town  agreable  to  the 
Refolve  of  said  Court  or  act  any  thing  refering  thereto  as 
they  shall  think  projjcr 

3'y  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  take  an\'  other 
method  befides  Drafting  or  with  Drafting  as  the  Case  may 
require  to  raise  men  for  the  War  and  make  a  Just  Eftima- 
tion  on  what  Each  man  has  done  in  the  j^refent  war  from 
the  begining  of  said  war.  &  raise  men  for  the  futer  by  a 
Rate  in  said  Town  for  z\.ny  Detachments  whatloever  or  act 
any  thing  Refering  theretoo  as  the}'  shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  doings  theirin  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal  at 
Fitchburg  this  Eight  Day  of  ma}'  before  the  time  of  meet- 
ing and  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1778     .... 

Phinehas  Hart  well 
Abraham  Gibson 
Elijah  Carter 
Tho'?  Hartwell 


Selectmen 

for 
Fitchburg 


Fitchburg  may  1778 

In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  notified  all 
the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  to  meet  at  the  time  &  place  as  within  requested 

Joseph  Adams  Con  ft  able 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Afiembled  May  S^"  1778     .     .     . 

1'.-^'    Voted  &  chose  Maj":  Ebn":  Bridge  moderator   .    .    . 


178  The  Old  Records  of  the 

2'7  Voted  that  the  four  hundred  Dollers  allowed  by 
the  (k'neral  Court  to  Raise  four  Continential  Soldiers  for 
this  Town  be  paid  to  the  four  men  that  shall  Engage    .    . 

3'/  Voted  that  the  Town  Treafury  give  his  note  upon 
Interest  to  the  four  Soldiers  that  shall  Engage  in  the 
Continential  Service  for  a  hundred  Dollars  Each  to  be 
paid  by  him  or  his  Sucfefor  or  hire  the  money  for  them 
upon  the  Towns  Credit     .... 

41-^  A  vote  was  put  to  see  if  the  Town  would  Eftimate 
what  has  ben  done  the  prefent  War  by  companys  to  raise 
and  pay  their  Coto  of  Continential  men  and  it  pafed  in 
the  affirmative 

[156]  S'.'y  A  vote  was  put  to  see  if  the  Eftimation 
should  be  Eaqual  pV  month  &  it  pafsed  in  the  affirmative 

6\y  Voted  that  the  Offercers  Selectmen  &  committee 
proceed  to  raise  the  Continential  men  according  to  the 
Eftimation  by  the  month  and  according  to  Each  mans 
Tax  in  the  Town  Rate 

71^'  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difolved 

Ebn^  Bridge  Moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter :  fs  :  To  Joseph  Adams  one  of  the  Con- 
ftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg.  You  are  in  the  Name  of 
the  Government  &  people  of  the  State  of  the  Maffachufetts 
Bay  to  require  &  Direct  you  to  Notif)'  all  the  freeholders 
&  other  Inhabitants  that  are  free  &  twenty  One  Years  of 
Age  in  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  to  Affembly  at  the  meeting 
house  in  Fitchburg  On  Fryday  the  twent}'  second  day  of 
this  Inftant  May  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  afternoon 
then  &  their  being  duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the 
following  articles  (viz) 

ll>'    To  Chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting   .    . 

2ly  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  Give  there  appro- 
bation or  disapprobation  on  the  Form  of  Government 
agreed  upon  b^^  a  Convention  of  said  State  February 
28^^^  1778  to  be  Laid  before  the  Several  Towns  in  this 
State    .... 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
vour    doings    therein   to  sum   one  of   us   at  or  before  the 


Tozvii  of  Fitchbjirgh.  179 

Day   and    time   above   mentioned     Given    under   Our   hands 

and    Seal   the    Eight    Day  of  this   Inftant    ma}'   &  in   the 

Year  of  Our  Lord  177S     .     .     . 

Phinehas  Hartwcll  1    o  i     ^ 
Ml  .>-,  Selectmen 

Abraham  Oibsoii  ,- 

tor 


Ivliiah  Carter  ^■.   ,.         u 

T^,  '     TT     *       11  ritchbureh 

Tho^  Hart  well  j  ^ 


Worcefter:    fs :     May  22"''   1778  — 

In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  notifyed 
and  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  I-'itchburg  to  meet  at  time  &  place  as  with- 
in Required  in  s^  warrant 

Joseph  Adams   Conftable  for  Fitchburg 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  Quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meet- 
ings Affembled  Alay  22".<^  1778     .... 

I'.y  Voted  &  Chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator     .     .     . 

2".^^  The  vote  being  put  by  the  Moderator  for  the  ap- 
probation of  the  Town  or  Disapprobation  of  the  Form  of 
Government  or  Conftitution  and  the  vote  was  as  follows 
For  the  Conftitution  22  against  the  Conftitution  4 

This  meeting  Difolved 

David  Goodridge   Moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

[157]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs  To  Joseph  Adams  one  of 
the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg    .  Greeting 

These  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Government 
and  people  of  the  MalTachufctts  Bay  to  order  and  direct 
3'ou  forthwith  to  Notify  by  \'erbal  warning  all  the  free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to  AiTemble 
at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitchburg  on  Friday  the  twenty 
second  Day  of  this  inftant  may  at  six  OClock  in  the  after- 
noon then  &  their  being  duly  meet  <S:  formed  to  act  on  the 
following  articles  (viz) 

1'.^'     To  chuse  a  Moderator  to  (rovcrn  said  meeting    .    . 

2'.>'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  bring  in  their  votes  for 
sum  Difcreet  Sutable  ])crfon  having  a  freehold    within  said 


180  The  Old  Records  of  the 

County    as    the    Law    directs    for  a  County    Treafury    to 
serve  in  said  County     .     .     . 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  to 
sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  time  and  hour  above  men- 
tioned Given  under  Our  hands  and  Seal  this  Twenty  sec- 
ond Day  of  this  Inftant  may  &  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord 
1778     .     .     . 

David  Goodridge 
Abraham  Gibson 
Elijah  Carter 
Tho=?  Hartwell 


Selectmen 

for 
Fitchburfif 


Worcefter:   fs    May  22^^   1778     .     .     . 

In  Obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notifj'ed 
and  warnd  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  according  to  the  Intents  of  s'^  War- 
rant    .     .     . 

Joseph  Adams  Conftable  for  Fitchburg 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  Quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings 
Affembled  May  22"^^  1778 

Vy  Voted  &  chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator 
2   The  votes  for  a  County  Register  being  called  for  and 
brought  in  and  scald  up  as  directed 
The  meeting  Difolved 
^  David  Goodridge  Moderator 

Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  fs  To  Afa  Perry  Conftable  Conftable 
for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

These  are  in  the  name  of  the  Government  and  people 
of  the  State  of  the  Maffachufetts  Bay  to  order  and  Direct 
3'ou  forthwith  to  Notif}^  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Quallifyed  b_v  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Affemble  at  the  meeting  houfe 
in  Fitchburgh  on  munda}^  the  24^^^  of  this  inftant  August 
at  One  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  duly 
meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  Articles  (Viz) 

V^J  To  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  181 

[158]  2'7  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Chuse  a  Conftable 
for  the  North  Part  of  s^  Town  to  Supply  the  Place  of  Mr 

Joseph  Adams  Deceafed 

3'-^  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  Conlider  the  Widow 
Adams  in  regard,  in  regard  to  her  Collecting  the  Conti- 
nential  Rate  by  Committing  the  List  to  any  other  Con- 
ftable or  act  any  other  way  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Here  of  fail  not  and  make  return  of  your  doings  to 
sum  one  of  us  on  or  before  said  Day  given  under  our 
hands  and  Seal  this  7^*'  Day  of  August  A:  D:  1778     .     .     . 

David  Goodridge     \   Selectmen 
Phinehas  Hartwell  \         For 
Abraham  Gibson     J  Fitchburgh 

Worcefter :  fs :  In  Obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  notifj^ed  the  Inhabitants  of  Fitchburgh  to  meet  at 
the  time  and  place  within  Directed 

Afa  Perry  Conftable 

Fitchburgh  August  2A:^>  1778 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh   Affembled   on  the   24-^''  of  August  1778     .     .     . 

I'.y  Voted  and  Chose  Deacon  David  Goodridge  moder- 
ator to  govern  s';  meeting 

2'7  Voted  and  Chose  Daniel  Putnam  Conftable  for 
the  north  side  of  s"?  Town     .... 

3'7  Voted  to  accept  of  W.  Jonathan  Holt  in  the  Rome 
of  Daniel  Putnam  for  the  Year  1778  to  Serve  as  Conftable 

41^  The  town  voted  that  the  Affefsors  shall  take  the 
Affefment  that  was  Commited  to  Joseph  Adams  &  Com- 
mitt  it  to  Jonathan  Holt  to  Collect  the  Remainder  of  s"? 
Collection  &  pa3'  s^  aflesment  by  order  of  warrant  to  the 
Province  Treafury 

David  Goodridge   Alodcrator 

A  true  Coppy  from  the  minutes 

Joseph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

[151)]  (Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  Afe  Perry  one  of  the 
Cunftabls  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgli  Gretings  ...  In 
the  name  of  the  Govermcnt  and  People  of  the  malsachufets 


182  The  Old  Records  of  the 

bay  you  are  recjuird  to  warne  all  the  free  holders  and 
other  inhabtance  of  the  Town  of  Fitchbur^j^h  Qualified  by 
Law  to  Vote  in  towne  metings  to  Afsemble  and  meet  at 
the  meeting  House  in  fitchburgh  on  Tuefday  the  13  day  of 
octobr  next  at  one  o  clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their 
being  Duely  met  and  formd  to  act  on  the  following  articls 
Wz 

l'>'   To  Chufe  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .     . 

2'y  To  Vote  the  Revrent  Air  John  Payson  his  Sallery 
for  the  year  Enfuing  and  likewise  to  See  if  the  Town  will 
make  aney  addition  to  the  Sallery  for  the  year  Infuing  or 
act  aney  thing  Refering  there  unto  as  they  Shall  think 
proper 

S'y  to  Raife  money  for  the  Schoole  or  Schools  for  the 
year  Infuing 

4'^  To  Chule  a  Committe  to  provide  a  Scool  or  Scools 
for  the  year  Infuing 

5'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  Come  into  to 
provide  the  Revrent  m*"  John  Payson  his  wood     .     .     . 

6'y  to  raise  mone\'  to  Suporte  m*"®  Hart  the  year  in- 
fuing and  other  of  the  poor  belongin  to  Town      .     .     . 

7^y  to  have  all  perfons  that  hath  Don  Serves  for  the 
Town  to  bring  in  their  acounts  and  raife  money  for  the 
same 

8'y  to  Raife  money  to  Defra3^  Town  and  all  other 
necefarj^  Chares  that  are  or  Shall  arife 

9'-^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  here  the  Request  of  m*; 
Joseph  fox  in  Regard  to  his  Serving  as  Town  Treafurer 
and  Town  Cleark  and  act  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as 
they  shall  think  proper 

10'^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Hear  the  request  of  a 
number  of  the  inhabitants  in  regard  to  Rasing  a  Bount\- 
for  those  that  Shall  Kill  Wile  Cats  or  Bears  in  f''  town 

11'^'  to  See  if  the  town  abate  ane\'  rates  in  ane}-  of 
the  old  Cunftables  Lifts 

12'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  appoint  Sum  Sutable  per- 
son to  Git  the  Towne  a  buering  Cloathe  and  raife  money 
for  the  Same 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  returne  of  this  warrant 
to  Sume  one  of  us  at   or  before   the   Day  and   time   above 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  183 

mentned  —  Given  under  our  hands  and   Seale  at  fitchburgh 
this  twenty  Eighth  Day  of  Septembr  and  in  the  year  Lord 

1778 

David  Goodridge 
Phinehas  Hartwell 
Abraham  Gibson 
KHjah  Carter 


Select 

men  for 

I'itchlnirg 


Worcefter  fs   In  obediance  to  the  within  warrcnt  I  have 
notifyd  the  Inhabitents  as  within  Directed 
Fitchburgh  octobr  the  13  1778 

Ale  Perre  Cunftabl 


[!<>()]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburgh  Afsembled  octobr  13  1778     .     .     . 

I'y    Voted  and  chose  Decon  David  Goodridge  moderator 

2'y  Voted  the  Revrent  John  Payson  his  Salor^^  which 
is £G6  13  4 

3'y  Voted  to  raise  £233=6  =  8  and  allow  mr  Payson 
in  aditon  his  Sallary  for  the  prefent  Year     .     .     .     233  6  8 

4'y  Voted  to  Raife  two  hundred  pounds  to  hire  Scool 
master  or  masters  or  mistrefes     .... 

5'y  Voted  to  chuse  Cap*  William  Thurlo  one  of  of  the 
Committe  to  provide  Scool  mafter  or  mafters  &  Thos 
Stearns  oliver  Stickne  m""  Jofeph  Walker  m""  William 
Brown Scool   Commite 

6'>'  Voted  that  Each  Quarter  Receve  their  proportion 
of  the  mone\'  Raised  for  the  Scool  as  ufal 

7'>  Voted  that  the  Lowest  bidder  Shall  Git  ni'  Pay- 
son  wood  which  is  30  Coard  at  the  price  he  Shall  bid  it 
oflf  at     .... 

8'>-  Voted  to  Give  Will'"  Small  Thirty  foure  pounds 
for  Giting  mr  Payson  Thirty  Cords  of  Good  wood  one 
whole  year  beginng  the  first  Daj'  of  Decmbr  mext  the 
wood  to  be  Cocirded  up  at  mr  Paysons  house  acording 
to   Law £34-  0  0  pd  1778 

9'>'  \'()tc(l  to  Rais  liftcen  pounds  to  Suport  \\V^  Hart 
to  be  ])ai(l  to  m''  James  Poole  as  was  voted  Last  march 
meeting   ])rovided    She   Should    Live   the  year  out    £15  0  0 

10'>'  Voted  to  allow  majr  El)n'.  Hridge  his  a  Count  £2  2  0 


184  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Illy  Voted  to  alow  Jofcph  Sawyer  his  acount  which 
is 1  10  0 

12'y  Voted  to  allow  Dr  Thadues  maccarty  his  acount 
which  is 2  0  0 

13'y  Votted  to  allow  m''  Phinehas  Hartwell  his  a 
Count  which  is 11  10  0 

14'y  Voted  to  allow  Leu^  Kindall  Boutall  his  a  Count 
which  is 4  10  0 

15'-^  Voted  to  m*"  Ifaac  Gibson  his  a  Count  which 
is 4  0  0 

16'y  Voted  to  alow  Liut  abraham  Gibson  his  a  Count 
which  is 7  10  0 

17'y  Voted  to  allow  Liut  Elijah  Carter  his  acount 
which  is 6  0  0 

[1(>1]  18'>'  Voted  to  alow  m''Jofeph  Walker  his  acount 
which  is £10  1  0 

19'y  Voted  to  alow  Decon  David  Goodridge  his  acount 
which  is 10  10  0 

20'y  Voted  to  allow  m''  Eph"^  Kimball  his  acount 
which  is 5  8  0 

21^y  Voted  to  allow  the  Selectmens  acount  which 
is £218  16  0 

22'y  Voted  to  Raise  foure  hundred  pounds  to  Defraj' 
necesery  Chargis 400  0  0 

23'y  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adgurnd  to  Cap* 
Cowdins  East  Rume  forth  with 

24'y  Voted  to  difmifs  Joseph  Fox  for  serving  as  Town 
Clerk  &  Town  Treafurer  for  this  prefent  Year     .     .     . 

25'y  Voted  and  Choofe  Cap*  Tho?  Cowdin  Town  Clerk, 
in  the  room  of  Joseph  Fox  difmifsed 

26ly  Voted  &  choofe  Cap*  Tho?  Cowdin  Town  Treaf- 
urer in  the  room  of  Joseph  Fox  difmifsed     .     .     . 

27ly  Voted  that  the  Town  Treafurer  provide  a  Book 
to  keep  an  Account  of  the  Orders  given  out,  and  Likewife 
when  pay,d  out 

28\y  Voted  to  abate  Saml'  Harrifs,s  rates  in  Tho^ 
Stearn,s  Lists  viz  for  the  Years  1776  &  1777  both  Years 
being £2  13  8  1 

29iy  Voted  that  the  Town  shall  have  a  Burying  Cloth 
or  Cloths     .... 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  185 

30ly    Voted  that  Cap!   W'."  Thurlo   provide  Two  Bury- 
ing Cloths  for  the  Town     .     .     . 
This  Meeting  Difsolved 

David  Goodridge   Moderator 
A  True  Coppe  from  the  minets 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  Jonathan  Holt  one  of  the  Con- 
stables of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greting  Thefe  are  ther- 
fore  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and  people  of  the  mafsa- 
chufsets  bay  to  order  and  Direct  3'ou  forthwith  to  notify 
all  the  free  holders  and  other  inhabitents  of  the  town  of 
Fitchburgh  Qualif>'d  b^^  law  to  vote  in  Town  meeting  to 
afsemble  at  the  meeting  house  in  fitchburgh  on  tuesday  the 
tenth  Day  of  Nov":  next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after 
noon  then  &  their  being  duely  meet  &  formd  to  act  on 
the  following  articls  viz 

1     to  Chufe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s'^  meeting    .     .     . 

2'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  take  into  Conlideration 
the  Revrant  m""  Paysons  further  request  in  regard  to  his 
Support  in  the  Gospel  miniftrey  or  act  aneN'  thing  refer- 
ring there  to  as  they  shall  think  proper     .... 

[l(>*-i]  3'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  axcept  of  and 
abid  the  Judgment  and  Determination  of  the  arbitrators 
appointed  by  the  towne  of  Fitchburgh  on  one  parte  and 
mV  Ezra  upton  the  other  part  which  they  have  and  do 
award  and  order  to  be  paid  to  mV  Ezra  upton  for  a  Ser- 
tain  two  rod  road  laid  out  by  the  Town  of  fitchburgh 
through  s''  Uptons  Land  as  damiges  as  will  appear  by  s'' 
award,  or  act  anc}'  thing  refl'erng  there  to  as  they  Shall 
think  proper     .... 

4'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  apjirove  of  the  afsefsors 
making  up  the  Town  rate  before  we  receve  the  provanc 
Tax  bill  or  act  anc}'  thing  there  on  as  Shall  be  thought 
proper     .... 

5'J^  to  have  all  those  Cunftables  that  have  rates  to  be 
a  bated  to  apear  that   Cant  be  Collected  on  their  Lifts 

6'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  vote  to  have  all  the  orders 
that  are  Given  by  the  Select  men  or  Scool  Committcs  brot 
in  at  Some  Set  time 


186  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrent 
with  your  dowings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  day  &  time  a  l)ove  mentned  Given  under  our  hands 
and  Seal  at  Fitchburgh  this  twenty  Second  da}'  of  this 
Inftant  octobr  and  in  the  3'ear  of  our  Lord  1778 

David  Goodridge     |  Select  men 
Phinehas  Hartwell  \         For 
Elijah  Carter  J  Fitchburgh 


Worcefter  fs  Fitchburgh  Novembr  the  10  1778 

In  obedianc  to   the   within   warrant  I   have  warnd  all 

the  free  holders   &   other  inhabitents  to  meet  at   time  and 

place  within  in  mentned 

Jonathan  Holt  Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburgh  afsembled  NovT  the  10  1778 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

1'-^  Chofe  Decon  Goodridge  moderator    .     .     . 

2'-^  Voted  to  ad  to  mr  John  Pa3'Sons  Salor\'  Eighty 
pounds  that  is  to  the  Three  Hundred  alredy  Granted 
total £380-0-0  pd 

3'y  Voted  and  axepted  of  the  award  of  the  arbetrators 
and  Coft  of  m^  Ezra  uptons  Land  taken  b^-  the  Town  for 
a  road  the  award  baring  Date  octobr  the  13  1778     .     .     . 

[1G3J  41^  Voted  to  make  up  the  Town  &  County  tax 
with  out  the  provance  Tax  bill 

5'^  Voted  to  take  the  Invoice  from  the  first  of 
novembr  Inftant  on  the  perfonall  Estates 

6'y  Voted  that  all  the  orders  that  have  bin  Given  by 
the  Select  men  and  town  Committes  Shall  be  brot  in  by 
the  first  of  march  next 

This  meeting  Difolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 


(Seal)     Worcester  fs.    To    Afa   Perr}'  one  of  the    Con- 
stables of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg    .     .     .     Greeting    .     .     . 


r6  /^^^ 


,G^  O^^^^:^^^-^'^^^^^^^^  f^y^^*c  /^lS^ct-Z 


C7 


/a*^    »*^  '/A^re     Att,t^    ff^M^^     rr'^  /^  /irrjr^,^'    -A    ^i-J^ ^^  Z;^     /.^jifC^c^y^'^ 


..^^'  /%r,i7e    "^^-^^    U-A.^  l^^-^yt,J^^^r*<-      -^  ^ 


Tozvn  of  Fitchbiirgh.  187 

These  are  therefore  in  tlie  Name  of  the  Government 
and  People  of  the  State  of  the  Mafsachusetts-Bay  to 
order  &  direct  you  forthwith  to  notify  all  the  Freeholders 
&  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  qualified 
b^'  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afsemble  at  the 
Meeting-house  in  Fitchburg  on  Monday  the  first  Day  of 
March  next  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenoon  then  and 
there  being  duely  met  &  form,d  to  act  on  the  following 
Articles  viz  — 

1*^*^     To  choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  Meeting — 

2'-^  To  choofe  Selectmen  &  other  Town  Officers  as  the 
Law  directs  for  the  enfueing  Year 

3diy  'po  see  what  Method  to  provide  for  any  poor  or 
indigent  Persons  in  said  Town  or  act  any  thing  referring 
thereto  as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

4*'^.'^  To  Accept  of  any  Roads  that  is  laid  out  by  the 
Selectmen  or  their  order  that  shall  be  thought  necefsary ; 
or  by  the  Town.s  Committee  — 

5^^  To  See  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money  shall  be 
thought  proper  to  raise  to  mend  the  Highway's  &  keep 
them  in  good  Repair  the  prefcnt  year  or  act  any  thing 
referring  thereto  as  shall  be  thought  proper  — 

6'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  difcontinue  aiu'  Road  or 
Roads  which  shall  be  laid  before  them  for  their  Consider- 
ation— 

7'7  To  see  if  the  Town  will  come  into  any  other 
Method  to  collect  the  Highway  Taxes,  seperate  from  choof- 
ing  the  Survej-ors,  Collectors  — 

8ly  To  See  if  the  Town  will  vote  the  Swine  to  run  at 
large  this  prefent  year  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law, 
or  vote  any  other  thing  referring  thereto  as  they  shall 
think  proper  — 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  due  return  of  this  Warrant 
to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  above  mentioned  Day 
&  time  —  Given  under  our  Hands  &  Seals  this  Eighth  Day 
of  February  A  D  1779 

David  Goodridge 
I'hinohas  Hart  well     Selectmen 
Abraham  Ciibson  for 

Elijah  Carter  Fitchburg 

Tho*:   Hart  well 


188  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[HJ4-]     Worcester  fs.   In  Obedience  to  the   within   War- 
rant, I  have  Notified  the  Inhabitants  as  within  directed 

Afa  Perry  Constable 


Fitchburg  March  K^  1779 

Aat  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  free  holders   and   other  In- 

habitents    of    the    Town    of    Fitchburgh    afembled    march 

the  1  1779 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y  Votted  and  Chose  Decon  David  Goodridge  mod- 
erator      Moderator 

2'y  Voted  and  Chose  Decon  David  Goodridge  Phine- 
has  Hart  well  &  Elijah  Carter Select  men 

3'y  Votted  to  Chufe  Sefsors  to  make  all  Rates  and 
Grant  Warrents   to   Collect  the  same Sefsors 

4'y  Voted  and  Chofe  Dr  Thadase  maccarty  Daniel 
Putnam  &  oliver  Stickne Sefsors 

5'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk  & 
Town  Treafurer Town  Clerk 

6'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Cap^  Jonathan  Wood  Thos 
Stearns  &  Jofeph  Phelps    ....    Committe  of  Infpection 

T^  Votted  and  Chofe  Jefse  French  Cunstable  for  the 
South  Side  of  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  &  Elijah  Gafield 
for  the  north  parte  of  the  Town Cunftable 

8'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Levi  Kimball  and  James  Pater- 
fon Wardens 

9'y  Votted  &  Chofe  William  Small  &  Cap*  Ruben 
Gibson T^'ethen   men 

lO'y  Votted  and  Chose  Samuel  Parce  &  Paul  Wetherby 
&  Jacob  Upton  &  Jofeph  Wheler  &  William  Grimes  Ebne- 
zer  Bridge  &  Thos  Cowdin  Ju^  &  hezekiah  Hodg- 
kins Survares  of  high  Wa^'s 

ll'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Jonathan  Holt  &  Daniel  Put- 
nam     Deere  Reves 

12'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Jofeph  Phelps  &  Samuel 
Small fier  Wards 

IS^y  Votted  and  Chofe  Nichlos  Danforth  Ebenezer 
Policy  &  Jofeph  Policy  &  John  Goodridge  &  Abraham 
Gibson  Ju":  &  Samuel  Harris hog  Reves 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  189 

14'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Capt  Jonathan  Wood  .  .  Sur 
vare  of  hoops  and  Staves 

15'-^  Yotted  and  Chofe  Soloman  Steward  .  .  Survare 
of  Clabords  &  Shingels 

[1(>5]  16'>'  Votted  and  Chose  John  Putnam  and  Afa 
Perrey fier   wards 

17'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Kindall  Bancroft  .  .  Selor  of 
Lether 

18'y  Votted  and  Chofe  David  Parce  Sellether  of  Waits 
and  mefhers Seler  of  Waits  &  mefhers 

19'y  Votted  to  allow  and  pay  Capt  Ruben  Gibson 
Seventy  pounds  to  Suport  m'^^  Hart  one  whole  year  and 
So  in  proportion  if  She  Should  not  Live  the  3'ear  out  70-0-0 

20'y  Votted  and  Raifed  one  hundred  &  fifty  pounds  to 
mend  the  high  ways  the  year  Infuing 150 

21'>'  Votted  to  allow  one  Shiling  and  foure  pence  pr 
ouer  and  for  Cart  and  oxen  and  other  Tools  as  Last  year 

22'>"  Votted  to  Difcontinue  the  Roade  from  m*"  Abel 
Bald  wines  house  which  s''  Bald  wine  bought  of  m''  John 
Bufs  til  it  Coms  to  the  Eaft  Line  of  s''  Baldwines  Land 
he  the  Said  Abel  Baldwin  paying  The  Town  Treafurer  of 
the  Town  of  P'itchburgh  Twenty  pounds  as  a  Reward  for 
s^  Land 20  -  - 

23'y  Votted  to  Difcontinue  the  Road  from  m""  Walkers 
Gate  So  Called  up  towards  Henery  Lclands  house  til  it 
coms  to  the  Road  Leding  from  s''  Lelands  house  towards 
Samuel  Parces   house   and  that  it  be  onley  a  Bridel  Roade 

24'-^'  Votted  the  high  way  Survares  be  not  Colecters 
but  the  Lifts  be  Committed  to  the  Cunftables  to  Colect 
provided  the  pcrfon  or  perfons  Dont  work  out  their  high 
way   Taxes  acording  to  the  high  way  Survares  order    .     . 

2.5'>'  Votted  that  the  high  way  Survares  work  out 
their  high  way  Rates  by  the  first  of  Novcmbr  next 

26'>'  Votted  that  the  Swine  Run  at  Large  being  Yoked 
and  Ringed  as  the  Law  Directs 

[!(>(»]  27'>'  Votted  and  axcepted  of  James  Paterfon 
to  Serve  Cunftable  in  Jefse  I'-rench  Roon  for  the  South 
Side  of  the  Town  &  also  to  Serve  Cunltablc  in  the  Rumc 
of  Elijah  Gafield  for  the  north  Side  oi'  s''  Town 

Further  more  The  oficcrs  Chofen  into  Town  ofices 
apeard  and  Tuck  the  oths  Rec[uird  by  Law     .     .     . 


190  The  Old  Records  of  the 

The  mcctirif^  Difolvd 

David  (loodridge   moderation 
TIio""  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

(Scale)  Worcefter  is  To  James  Paterfon  Cunl'table  for 
the  Town  of  Fitehl)urgh   Greetinj^ 

These  are  Therfor  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and 
people  of  the  State  of  the  mafsachufets  bay  to  order  and 
direct  you  forthwith  to  notify  the  free  holders  &  other  in- 
habitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Qualifyd  by  law  to 
vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afsemble  at  the  meeting  house 
in  fitchburgh  on  fryday  the  ninth  day  of  april  next  at  one 
O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being  duely  meet 
and  formd  to  act  on  the  following  artcles  viz     .     .     . 

1     to   Chufe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s*^  meeting    .     .     . 

2'y  to  take  into  Confideration  a  Request  of  a  number 
of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  in  regarde 
to  a  fine  being  Laid  on  the  Town  b}'  the  Generall  Coarte 
for  reafons  not  none  not  known  with  which  the  requeftors 
think  it  highly  reafonable  to  know  as  a  Town  or  act  aney 
thing  their  on  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

3'y  to  See  whather  method  the  Town  wnll  Secure  the 
Scool  land  formerly  belonging  to  Lunenburg  that  was  Sett 
off  to  Fitchburgh  with  their  other  properties  from  aney 
incroachments  from  aney  perfon  or  perfons  what  ever  either 
out  of  Town  or  in  Town  or  act  aney  thing  refering  their- 
to  as  Shall  be  thought  proper 

4'-^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  make  aney  addition  of 
aney  Sum  or  Sumes  as  a  Town  to  add  to  the  General 
Court  tax  bill  thats  Sent  out  to  s*^  Towns  a  Greable  to 
the  Courts  order  or  act  anc}'  thing  refering  there  to  as 
they  Shall  think  proper 

[t(>7]  Here  of  faile  not  and  make  returne  of  this 
warrant  with  your  Dowings  their  in  to  Some  one  of  us 
at  or  before  the  day  and  time  a  bove  mentined     .     .     . 

Given   under  our  hands   arid   Scale  at  Fitchburgh   this 

Twenty   Sixth   day  of  this  inftent  march  &  in  the  year  of 

our  Lord  1779  „      .  ,  ^       ,  .  ,  /  o  i     ^- 

David  Goodndge      (  Select  meen 

Phinehas  Hartwell  |        For 

Elijah  Carter  [Fitchburgh 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  191 

Fitchburgh  april  the  9  1779  Worcefe fester  fs  in  obe- 
dianc  ot  this  warrant  I  have  notifyd  the  free  holders  and 
other  Inhabitents  of  this  Town  to  meet  at  the  meeting 
house  at  one  O  Clock  this  Inftent  day 

James  Paterfon  Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afsembled  april  the  9  1779 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y   Voted  and  Chofe  Decon    (loodridge   moderator 

2'y  Voted  to  ajoyrn  the  Second  artcle  in  the  warrant 
til  iTia3'  meeting 

3'-^'  Voted  Chufe  a  Committe  to  Go  &  Search  the 
records  in  Lunenburgh  town  book  to  See  if  their  was  aney 
agrement  betwen  the  Town  of  Lunenburgh  &  the  Town 
of  Fitchburgh  Refpecting  mineltereal  &  Scool  lands 

4'>'  Voted  and  Chofe  Capt  Tho**  Cowdin  6c  Capt  Ruben 
Gibson  &  Capt  Jonathan  Wood  be  a  Committe  to  Search 
the  Town  book  of  Lunenburg  Refpecting  ])ublick  lands  & 
also  the  proprietors  book  refpecting  the  publick  Lands  laid 
out  for  a  Scool  &  minefteral  lands  or  to  be  laid  out     .     .     . 

5'y  Voted  to  ajurn  the  third  artcle  in  the  warrant  til 
may  meeting  and  then  Report  to  the  Town  what  the  Com- 
mitte may  find  one  the  Town  book  Ijclongin  to  Lunen- 
burgh 

6'>'   Voted  pafs  over  the  forth  arete     .     .     . 

7'-^'    Voted  to  ajurn  this  meeting  til  may  nieeting 

aCordingly  ajurnd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 


[KiS]  (Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  James  Paterfon  Cim- 
ftal)le  for  the  Town  of  T^itchburgh  Greeting 

Thcfe  are  in  the  name  of  the  (loverment  and  ])eople  of 
the  malachufets  bay  to  will  and  Recjuire  you  forthwith  to 
notif\'  all  the  free  holders  and  other  inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  I'itchburgh  (|ualify(l  by  law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  afseml)le  at  the  meeting  house  in  I'itchburgh 
on  Thurfday  the  twentyeth  day  of  this  inftent  may  at  two 


192  The  Old  Records  of  the 

of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being   Duely 
meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles  viz     .... 

1     to  Chufe  a  moderator   to  Govern  s''  meeting     .     .     . 

2'>'  See  whether  the  inhabitents  of  this  Town  Chufe 
at  this  time  to  have  a  new  Constetition  or  form  of  Gov- 
erment  made     .     .     . 

8'>'  whether  they  impower  their  reprefentives  for  the 
next  to  vote  for  the  Calling  a  State  Convention  for  the 
Sole  purpos  of  forming  a  new  Conftitution  provided  it 
Should  appear  to  them  on  Examination  that  the  firft 
Queston  a  bove  mentioned  be  anfwerd  in  the  affirmative 

4'y  to  See  if  the  inhabitenes  will  make  further  provi- 
fion  for  Keeping  the  high  wa3's  in  better  repare  in  making 
an  aditional  Grant  to  what  has  ben  all  redy  Grantd  for 
that  purpofe  or  act  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as  they 
Shall  think  proper  for  the  prefent  year 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  and  time  a  bove 
mentned     ... 

Given  under  our  hands  &  Seale  at  Fitchburgh  this 
fifth  Da}'  of  may  in  the  year  of  our   Lord    1779     .... 

David  Goodridge     \  Select  men 
Phinehas  Hartwell  \        for 
Elijah  Carter  J  P'itchburgh 

Fitchburgh  May  the  19  1779 
agreable  to  the  Directions  of  the   within   writen   war- 
rant I  have  Notifyd   the  free  holders   &  other  Inhabitents 
of  Fitchburgh  to  meet  at  the  time  and  place  appointed 

James  Paterfon   Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afsembled  ma}'  the  20  1779 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

[1(J9]  I'y  Votted  and  Chofe  Decon  Goodridge  mod- 
erator    .... 

2'^  Voted  to  have  a  new  forme  of  Goverment  at  this 
Time  The  number  prefent  unanemos  that  is  forty  five     . 

3'^'  and  it  was  the  oppinon  of  this  town  that  if  the 
firft  Quefton  on  Examination  be  anfwerd  in  the  State,  in 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  193 

the    affarmetive    to    Comph'    with    the    Reprefentitives    to 
Chufe  a  States  Convention  for  that  purpose 

4'y  Voted  to  act  on  the  artcle  of  the  high  ways     .     .     . 

5'-^  Voted  and  Railed  foure  hundred  &  fiftN'  pounds  in 
addition  to  what   was  al   Redy  raised  at   Laft  march     .     . 

6'-^  Voted  that  thofe  Work  out  their  part  of  the  money 
be  alowed  five  ShiHngs  Shihngs  &  foure  penc  for  Evre}' 
ower  on  the  Spote,  oxen  &  Cart  in  proportion  and  other 
metireals  in  projiortion 

also  that  the  Lift  or  Lifts  fhall  be  Committed  to  the 
high  wane  Survares  Chofe  at  march  Laft  —  and  they  are 
herby  orderd  to  See  that  the  money  be  workt  out  or  the 
Lift  Committed  to  the  Cunftalile  to  Collet  —  provided  the 
perfon  or  perfons  Refufe  or  neglect  to  work 

The  meeting  —  upon  the  ajurnment 

David  Good  ridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

ma}'  the  20  1779  upon  the  ajurnment  the  Town  meet 
and  Voted  &  (jave  the  Committe  Chofe  the  9  of  april  1779 
full  i)ower  to  Setle  with  the  Town  of  Lunenburgh  or  their 
Committe  or  to  Commince  and  bring  on  an  action  against 
The  Town  of  Lunenburgh  provided  the  f  Town  or 
Commtte  Refuse  to  alow  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  or  their 
Committe  their  parts  of  the  pviblick  Lands,  the  Committe 
Chofe  by  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  on  april  the  9  1779 
was  Cap*  Thos  Cowdin  Capt  Ruben  Gibson  &  Cap'  Jona- 
than Wood.     Then  the  meeting  Difolvcd 

Decon  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

(Seale)     [170]    June  29  1779 

Worcfter  fs  To  James  Paterfon  Conftable  for  the  Town 
of  F'itchburgh Greeting     .... 

Thefe  are  Therefor  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and 
people  of  the  State  of  the  mafsachusets  bay  to  order  & 
directe  you  fourth  with  to  notify  the  free  holders  and  other 
inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Qualified  by  Law 
to  vote  in  Town  meeting  by  verbid  notice  to  alsemble  at 
the  meeting  house  in  I-'itchburgh  on  Tufeday  the  twenty 
«3 


194  The  Old  Records  of  the 

ninth  day  of  this  inftant  June  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the 
after  noone  then  &  their  being  duely  meet  and  formd  to 
aet  on  the  following  articles — (viz) 

I'y  to  Chufe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s'.'  meeting    .     .     , 

2'J'  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  Come  into  in 
Regard  to  Raifing  foure  Contenantal  men  to  Joyn  the 
Contenantel  armey  and  two  men  to  go  to  Rhodeifland  a 
Cording  to  the  General  Courts  orders  or  act  aney  thing 
there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper  as  a  Towne 

3'y  to  See  if  the  Towne  will  Call  the  old  melitia  officers 
to  an  aCounte  for  the  fines  they  have  taken  of  the  Inhabi- 
tents  by  drafting  and  how  they  have  Difpofed  of  them  that 
a  Good  Regulation  may  be  formd  for  the  futter  or  act 
aney  thing  refering  there  to  as  they  Shall   Think  proper 

Here  of  mak  Return  of  this  warrente  with  your  Do- 
ings there  in  to  Some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  and 
time  above  mentned  Given  under  oure  hands  and  Scale 
at  Fitchburgh  this  Twenty  Eight  day  of  this  inftant  June 
and  in  the  ^^eare  of  our  Lord  1779     .     .     . 

David  Goodridge     |       Select 
Phinehas  Hartwell  \    men  for 
Elijah  Carter  J  Fitchburgh 

Worcefter  fs 

agreeable  to  the  within  warant  I  have  notified  & 
Warned  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburgh  Qualifyd  to  Vote  in  towne  meetings  to 
meet  at  the  time  and  place  within  mentiond 

Fitchburgh  June  29  1779 

James  Paterfon   Cunftable 

[171]  Aat  a  Legall  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburgh  afsembled  June  the  29  1779 

Tho^  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y    Voted  and  Chofe  Decon  Goodridge  moderator    .     . 

2'y  after  the  orders  from  the  Generall  Court  being 
reed  then  proceded  and  Voted  to  Raise  the  foure  men  for 
the  Contenantel  Serves  for  nine  months  by  a  Rate  or  Tax 
by  the  Towne  —  and  also  the  two  men  for  Roadifland  by 
a  Tax  Laid  on  s"^'  Town,  Estimating  what  Each  man 
hath  dun  by  the  month  here  to  fore  at  an  Equel  price 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  195 

3'y  Voted  to  Chufe  a  Committe  to  Raife  the  Conte- 
nantel  men  and   also  the   two   men   for  Roadifland     .     .     . 

4-'-^'  Voted  an  Chofe  Tho''  Cowdin  &  Colo  Ebenezer 
Bridge  &  Cap^  Will'"  Thurlo  &  Cap^  Jonathan  Wood  &  Dr 
maccarte  be  a  Committe  to  hier  the  4  Contenantel  men 
for  nine  months  at  as  Chcpe  a  rate  as  pofahle  Cane  be 
Dun  &  also  two  men  as  molifha  men  to  Do  Dutey  at 
Roadifiland  acording  to  General  Courts  order 

5'>'  Voted  to  call  the  old  molifha  officers  to  an  a  Count 
to  now  what  they  have  Dun  or  how  the}-  have  Difpofed 
of  the  fines  they  have  taken  taken  of  the  Inhabitents     .     . 

G'y  Voted  the  the  a  Counts  the  old  molifha  officers 
hath  Rendred  be  full  Satisfaction  to  the  Town 

This  meeting  Difolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[IT'-i]  (Seal)  Worcester  fs.  To  James  Patterson  Con- 
stable for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg        Greeting 

These  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Government  & 
People  of  the  State  of  Mafsachusetts  Bay,  to  order  and 
direct  you  forthwith  to  Notify-  the  Freeholders  and  other 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  qualified  by  Law 
to  vote  in  Town  meetings,  to  afsemble  at  the  Meeting- 
House  in  Fitchljurg  on  Monday  the  second  Da}-  of  August 
next  at  One  of  the  Clock  in  the  Afternoon,  then  and  there 
being  duely  met  &  form.d  to  Act  on  the  following  Articles; 
You  are  further  directed  to  notify  every  TVeeman,  inhabi- 
tant of  s'.'  Town,  who  is  twenty  one  Years  of  Age  to  vote 
on  the  second  Article  in  s^  Warrant 

l'>    To  choose  a  Moderator  to  govern  s*:'    Meeting 

2'.'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  elect  one  or  more  Dele- 
gates to  represent  them  in  a  Convention,  for  the  sole  pur- 
pose of  framing  a  new  Constitution,  and  form  of  Govern- 
ment, for  the  State  of  Mafsachusetts  Bay  to  meet  at 
Camljridge  in  the  County  of  Middlesex,  on  the  first  Day 
of  September  next,  and  give  s'.'  Delegate  such  Instructions 
as  they  shall  think  proper 

3'')>'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  comply,  with  the  Meat- 
ures  that   the  late  Convention,   convcn,d   at   Concord,   on 


196  The  Old  Records  of  the 

the  fourteenth   Da^-  of  July,  or  act   any   thing  thereon   as 
they  shall  think  proper 

4thiy  'Pq  gee  if  the  Town  will  send  a  Delegate  to  join 
a  County  Convention  to  be  held  at  Worcester,  on  the 
first  Tuesday  of  August  next,  for  the  purpose  of  regulat- 
ing Prices,  on  the  Artiles  of  Life  and  manufactures  — 

5'/  To  see  what  Method  the  Town  will  come  into 
with  regard  to  the  War  what  has  been  done  already,  and 
what  Meafures  they  will  take  for  further  supporting  the 
War,  as  a  Town,  or  act  any  thing  referring  thereto  as 
they  shall  think  proper  — 

6'7  To  see  if  the  Town  will  raise  any  Sum  of  Sums 
of  Aloney  to  hire  the  Six  Soldiers  into  the  service  to 
Rhode  Island  and  Continental,  or  act  any  thing  thereon 
as  they  shall  think  proper  —  Hereof  fail  not  and  make  a 
return  of  this  Warrant  with  your  doings  thereon,  to  some 
one  of  us,  at  or  before  the  Day  and  time  above  men- 
tion,d,  Given  under  our  hand  and  Seal  at  Fitchburg  this 
Nineteenth  Day  of  July  and  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1779 

David  Goodridge     |  Select  men 
Phinehas  Hartwell  >        for 
Elijah  Carter  J  Fitchburg 

[173]    Worcester  fs 

Agreable  to  the  within  Warrant  I  have  notified  & 
warn,d  all  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants,  therein 
specified,  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  to  meet  at  the  time 
&  place  wnthin  mention, d 

James  Patterson,  Constable 

Fitchburg  Aug*  2.  1779 

Fitchburg  Aug^  2"?  1779  — 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Assembled  August  2"?  1779  — 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

1  Voted  &  chose  Deacon  David  Goodridge  Moderator  — 
21^  Voted  to  send  a  Delegate  to  join   the  Convention 
in  Cambridge  — 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  197 

3'7  Voted  &  chose  Tho'?  Cowdin  to  meet  the  Conven- 
tion at  Cambridge  the  first  Day  of  September  next  — 

4'/  Voted  to  comply  with  the  Refolves  of  the  late 
Convention  held  at  Concord  the  14^''  Dav  of  Juh'  last, 
unanimously  — 

5'7  Voted  to  send  a  Delegate  to  meet  the  Convention 
at  Worcester  the  3':'  Da^-  of  this  Ins^  August  — 

6l>-  Voted  &  chose  Dr  Thad*:  Maccarty  to  attend  the 
Convention  at  Worcester  the  3*?  Day  of  this  Ins^.   August  — 

7'7  Voted  that  the  Vote  respecting  the  Men  &  estimat- 
ing the  Months  be  brought  to  an  Average  as  was  voted 
last  Town  Meeting  — 

8'7  Voted  to  choose  a  Committee  to  estimate  the 
Months  &  bring  them  to  an  Average  — 

9'7  Voted  that  Tho«  Hart  well,  Deacon  Thurston,  Col. 
Bridge  Tho'?  Stearns  &  Cap^  Thurlo  be  a  Committee  to 
estimate  the  Months  &  bring  them  to  an  Average  — 

10   Voted  to  adjourn,  till  the  20^'^  Day  of  Aug^  next  — 
the  Meeting  accordingly  adjourn, d,  till   20^^'  Day  of  Aug* 
next  at  One  O  clock 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

August  20,  1779.  The  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment 

11'7  Voted  to  accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Committee, 
respecting  estimating  the  Service  done  in  the  War  since  the 
present  War  commenc,d  — 

[174]  12  Voted  to  choose  a  Committee  to  examine 
the  Credit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg, 
respecting  the  present  War,  and  to  see  what  Men  are 
behind  in  respect  to  their  Proportion,  and  where  they 
appear  not  to  have  done  their  proportion,  to  make  it  up 
in  Mone^'  without  delay  — 

13'>'  Voted  that  the  Afsefsors  be  a  Committee  to 
Examine  the  Credits  and  that.  Two  Men  be  join,d  with 
them  therein  — 

Voted  &  choose  Tho*:  Stearns  &  Eph'."  Kimball  JunV  — 

14'7  Voted  that  Every  Person  bring  a  Certificate  from 
his  Officers  or  the  Selectmen,  as  to  what  Service  he  hath 
done  or    not  be  allow, d    for    his    Service,   and    that    they 


198  The  Old  Records  of  the 

bring    in    the    Certificates    by   the  20^'^   Day  of  September 
next  — 

15*7  Voted  to  accept  of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Con- 
vention at  Worcester  — 

IG'.y  Voted  to  make  an  Addition  to  the  Committee  & 
that  four  Men  be  added  viz  Deacon  Thurston,  M^  Walker, 
MV  Boutell  &  Mr  Jacob  Upton  — 

Voted  the  Meeting  to  be  adjourn, d,  till  the  27^^  Day 
of  SepV  next  at  One  O  clock  in  the  Afternoon  — 

The  Meeting  Adjourned  accordingly 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

According  to  Adjournment  met  and  the  Meeting  opened 
on  the  27*1^  Day  of  September  1779  — 

17^^  Voted  that  the  Committee  proceed  immediately 
to  state  the  more  minute  Articles  not  stated  at  Worcester, 
and  see  that  the^^  be  put  in  Execution  — 

181^  Voted  to  accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Committee 
chose  to  estimate  the  War  as  will  appear  by  the  List  sign,d 
by  s^  Committee 

19  Voted  that  the  Town  Treafurer  receive  the  Money 
that  was  estimated  by  the  Committee  and  give  his  Receipt 
for  the  same 

20  Voted  that  the  Meeting  be  adjourn, d  to  the  first 
Monday  in  NovT  next  at  One  O  clock  in  the  Afternoon,  to 
see  if  those  Persons  who  are  found  b}'  the  Committee  to 
be  delinquent  will  pay  the  Sums  annexed  to  each  Persons 
name 

Thos  Cowdin  T?  Clerk 
meeting  adjournd  accordingly 

[175]    Novf    1  1779  — 

The  Town  being  met  and  the  Meeting  opened  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment. 

211  Voted  and  accepted  of  the  Estimation  as  it  stands 
on  the  Estimation  paper,  rectif\nng  all  Mistakes  that 
appear  to  have  been  made,  from  the  Certificates  that  may 
be  bro^  to  the  Committee 

22  Voted  that  it  be  recommitted  to  the  same  Com- 
mittee for  Amendment 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  199 

231  Voted  that  all  the  Men  that  have  paid  Money 
either  by  Draught  or  to  Col  Bridge,  be  allow, d  to  every 
Person  as  his  part  at  Fifteen  Pounds  per  Month  and  that 
their  Credit  be  enter, d  upon  the  Estimation  Paper  — 

24  Voted  that  the  Town  choose  a  Committee  to  hire 
all  the  Men  that  may  be  called  for.  for  the  future  untill 
further  Orders  — 

25  Voted  to  choose  Five  as  a  Committee  to  hire  the 
Men  to  do  Duty  in  the  present  War  for  the  future  &  Tho^ 
Cowdin  Afa  Perry,  John  Putnam  &  Kendall  Boutell,  & 
Jacob  Upton  were  choose  for  this  purpose  — 

26  Voted  to  raise  Seventeen  Hundred  &  forty  Pounds 
to  pay  the  Money  that  the  Selectmen  hir,d  to  pay  the  four 
Continental  and  alfo  the  Two  Rhode  Ifland  Men,  as  Sol- 
diers in  that  Service — £1740  p*^ 

Voted  that  the  Town  Meeting  be  adjourn, d  to  Monday 
the  22"?  of  this  Instant  NovembT  at  One  O  clock  After  noon 

The  Meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

Nov:  22".^'  1779 

The  Town  meet  according  to  adjournment  and  the 
meeting  opened  — 

27  Voted  to  chuse  a  Committee  to  see  what  money 
Col"  Bridge  has  rec'.'  off  the  delinquent  perfons  upon  the 
Eftimation  paper 

28  Voted  and  Chose  Docl  M*?  Carty  to  be  the  Com- 
mittee     

29  Voted  and  Chose  Doc^  M^  CartN-  to  receive  the 
money  of  the  Delinquents  upon  the  Eftimation  paper  in 
the  rome  of  the  Town  Trcafurcr  and  give  Credit  to  tliofe 
perfons  that  shall  pay  and  make  report  to  the  next  town 
meeting 

30  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  difolved     .... 
The  meeting  Difolved  according 

David  Goodridge   Moderator 
A  true  coppy  of  the  X'otes  attest  Joscjjh  Fox 

by  order  of  the  Town  Clerk 

[1'7(>]  (Seal)  Worcester  fs.  To  James  Patterson  Con- 
stable for    the    Town    of    Fitchburg    Greeting  —  these    are 


200  The  Old  Records  of  the 

therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Government  &  People  of  the 
state  of  the  Mafsachusetts  Bay  to  order  &  direct  you 
forthwith  to  Notify  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  qualified  by  Law  to  vote  in 
Town  Meetings,  to  afsenible  at  the  Meeting  house  in 
Fitchburg  on  Monday  the  Twentyseventh  Day  of  this  Ins^ 
September  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  Forenoon,  then  & 
there  being  duely  met  &  form,d  to  Act  on  the  following 
Articles  viz  — 

1  To  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  govern  s^^  Meeting  — 

2  fee  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into  to  sup- 
port the  Rev'.'  M":  Payson  the  Year  ensuing,  or  act  any 
thing  referring  thereto  as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

3*^7  Raise  Money  to  support  the  poor  &  indigent  Per- 
sons in  Town  if  need  — 

41^  Raise  Money  to  supply  the  Treafury  &  pay  Town 
charges  — 

5'7  To  have  all  persons  that  have  done  service  for  the 
Town,  bring  in  their  Accounts,  for  Acceptance,  raise  Money 
to  pay  the  same  — 

6'7  To  see  in  what  Method  the  Town  will  provide  the 
Rev^  M^  Pay  sons  Wood  for  the  Year  insuing  — 

Tj  To  see  what  Method  the  Town  will  provide  School- 
ing &  raise  Money  for  the  support  of  the  same,  or  act  any 
thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

8\y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  send  a  Man  to  join  the 
Convention  at  Concord  the  Sixth  Day  of  October  next,  or 
act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper  —  Hereof 
fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  Warrant  with  3'our 
Doings  thereon,  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day 
&  time  abovementioned,  —  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal 
this  Seventh  Day  of  this  Instant  September  and  in  the 
Year  of  our  Lord  1779  David  Goodridge     1  Selectmen 

Phinehas  Hartwell  \        for 
Elijah  Carter  J  Fitchburg 

Worcester  fs  In  Obedience  to  the  within  written  War- 
rant I  have  Notified  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
to  meet  at  the  Time  and  Place  above  mentioned 

James  Patterson  Constable 

Fitchburg  Sep':  27.  1779  — 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  201 

[177]     At   a   Legal    meeting  of  the  inhabitents   of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburgh  afsembled  Septembr  the  27  1779 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y  voted  and  Chofe  Decon  David  Goodridge  moderator 
2'y  voted  and  Chofe  Kindall  Boutall  &  phinehas  Hart- 
well  &  Jofeph   Walker  be  a  Committee  to   Waite  upon  m"" 
Payson  in  order  to  now   his   mind    Kefpecting  his  Salarey 
the  year  Infuing 

3iy  vted  to  Raise  Seventy  pounds  to  pay 
Capt  Ruben  Gibson  for  m'"''  Harts  Suporte 
in  proportion  for  a  whole  3'eare     ....  £70  00  0 

4'y  voted  to  Raife  Two  hundred  pounds  that 
was  not  afsed  Last  year  which  was  Raifed 
for  to  Suporte  the  Scoll  the  year  pa  ft    .    .  200  00  0 

5'y    voted  to  Rafe  Sixt\'  pownds  as  a  bounty 

for  Two    Rohadiland   men 60  00  0 

6'y  voted  to  Raise  five  pounds  Six  Shilings 
Eight  pene  to  pay  the  County  tax  for  the 
year  1777  and  that  the  Town  Treafurer 
pay  the  above  Sum  to  the  Count}'  Treaf- 
urer and  tak  his  Recept 5     6  8 

7'y  vted  and  raised  Seventy  Eight  pounds 
Eight  Shilings  which  was  taken  out  of 
the  Treafure  to  pay  the  Solders  ingaed 
for  the  Contenantal   Serves  &  Rhodiland     78     8  0 

8'-^     voted   and   Raifed   foure    hunded    pounds 

to    defray    Town    Charges 400  00  0 

9'>'    to    voted    Thos    Cowdin    Ju"^   his   acount 

which  is 3  18  0 

voted  to  alow  Thos  Cowdin  his  acount  which 

is 7     4  0 

voted  and   alowd   Dr  Thadues  maccartcy  his 

acount   which   is 31  12  0 

voted  and  alowd  Afe  Perrey  his  acount  which 

is 3  12  0  pd 

voted     and     alowd     Phinehas     Hartwcll     iiis 

acount    which    is 7  16  0 

voted   and   alowd    Elijah    Carter    his   acount 

which  is 6     6  0 


202  The  Old  Records  of  the 

voted  and  alowd   Decon  David  Goodridge  his 

aCount   which   is 17  00  0 

voted    and   alowd    Tho":    Stearns    his   jicount 

which   is G  14  0 

voted    and     alowd     Epl""    Kimball     JuV    his 

acount   which   is 6  14  0 

voted  and  alowd   Daniel   Putnam  his   acount 

which  is 6  14  0 

voted   and    alowd    Liut   abraham    Gil)S(jn    his 

acount   which   is 6  00  0 

voted     and     alowd    Cap*^    Ruben    Gibson    his 

acount    which    is 14  0 

voted    and   alowd   Cap*^  Jonathan   Wood   his 

acount    which    is 14  0 


919  12  8 


10^^    Voted  the  the  Committe  Report  from  mr  Payson 

[178]  ll'y  voted  and  Raised  for  mr  Payson  for  the 
year  Infuing  and  to  mak  up  the  Deprecation  of  the  money 
the  Last  Yeare  his  Salery  Good  for  both  Last  year  and 
this  preafent  year  fourteen  hundred  &  Seventy  nine  pounds 
16/   ... '  .    1479  16  0 

12'-^'  voted  and  Raised  five  hundred  pounds  to  Suporte 
a  Scool  the  year  infuing 500  00  0 

13'y  voted  and  Chofe  Titos  Wilder  Jofeph  Phelps  afe 
Perrey  Jacob  upton  &  Jofeph  Fox  be  a  Committe  to  pro- 
vide a  m after  to  Keep  the  School    .     .     . 

14'y  voted  that  Each  Quarter  have  the  Benefit  of 
their  own  mone\^  which  is  Granted  to  Supporte  the  Schoole 

15'y  voted  and  a  Greed  to  provide  m''  Paysons  wood 
by  a  volentary  act  the  year  Infuing     .     .     . 

16^y  voted  and  Chofe  Nicholas  Danforth  m""  Jacob 
Upton  Cap*  Burbank  &  Daniel  Farwell  be  a  Committe  to 
See  that  mr  Pafons  wood  be  Got  in  Good  Seafon  &  Good 
wood 

17^y  voted  and  Chofe  Decon  David  Goodridge  to 
attend  the  Convention  at  Concord  the  Sixth  Da}'  of  Octo- 
ber next 

The  meeting  Difolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 


Tow)i  of  Fitchburgh.  203 

A  True  Coppe  of  the  Votes 

The  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  James  Patterfon  Conftable  Ibr 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting  .  .  .  These  are  there- 
fore in  the  Name  and  Government  and  ])coi)le  of  the  State 
of  the  Maffachufetts  Ba}''  to  order  and  direct  3'ou  forth- 
with to  Notify  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in 
Town  meetings  to  Affemble  at  the  meeting  house  in  Fitch- 
burgh on  the  Twenty  Second  Da}'  of  this  Inftant  Novem- 
ber at  One  OClock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being 
duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles 
(viz)     ... 

I'.y    To  chufe  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .     . 

21^  To  see  if  the  Town  will  approve  or  difa])])rove  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  at  Concord  the  sixth 
Day  of  October  Last  and  Chufe  a  Committee  to  put  the 
Refolves  into  Execution  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they 
shall  think  propper 

[17i)]  3'.^  To  see  if  the  Town  will  make  any  altera- 
tions in  the  prices  of  the  farming  labour,  or  Mechanicks, 
and  Inholders  not  enumarated  by  the  Convention  at  Con- 
cord or  act  an}'  thing   thereon  as    they  shall    think    proper 

4'/     To  see  if  the  Town  will  raise  any  sum  or  sums  of 
money   to  supply   the   Treafurer  that  the    Selectmen   hath 
taken    out   to  pay   the    Soldiers  according  to   the   Courts 
orders     

5'.y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  chufe  a  Committee  to  keep 
the  Great  bridge  by  the  Mills  in  rejjair  or  act  any  thing 
thereon  as  they  shall  think  jjropcr 

Gl>'  To  here  the  accounts  of  any  tiiat  lias  done  Service 
for  the  Town  for  the  Town  and  raise  money  for  the  Same 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  doing  thereon  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day 
and  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hands  and 
Seal   at    Fitchburgh   this  second    Day  of  November  and   in 

the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1779 

David  Good  ridge      1    Selectmen 
Phinehas  Hart  well  for 

Elijah  Carter  J  Fitchburgh 


204  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Fitchbiirgh  NoV:   22".''   1779 

In  ol)cdience  to  your  orders  I  have  Notifyed  the  free- 
holders and  other  inhabitants  of  this  Town  to  meet  at 
the  time  and  place  within  written 

James  Patterfon  Conftable 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  AlTembled  November  22'"^  1779     .     .     . 

I'.y    Voted  and  Chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator 

2'/  Voted  to  approve  to  of  the  Proceedings  of  the 
Convention  at  Concord  the  sixth  Day  of  Ocf:  Last     .     .     . 

3'7  Voted  to  chufe  a  Committee  to  put  the  proceed- 
ing of  the  Convention  into  Execution 

4'7  Voted  to  chufe  seven  men  as  a  Committee  for  the 
above  purpose 

5\y  Voted  and  Chose  Cap*  Jon-?  Wood  M^  Joseph 
Walker  Mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  Jur  Cap^  Will"?  Thurlo  M": 
James  Poole  Cap*  Reuben  Gibfon  &  M':  Phinehas  Hartwell 
to  be  a  Committee  for  the  above  purpose 

6'7  Voted  that  the  above  Committee  do  not  proceed 
at  preafent  to  put  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention  at 
Concord  into  Execution  untill  the}'  shall  receive  orders 
from  the  Selectmen  &  Standing  Committee  for  that  pur- 
pose      

7'7  Voted  to  raife  two  hundred  &  Seventy  pounds  to 
Supply  the  Treafurer  with  that  the  Selectmen  took  out  to 
pay  the  Soldiers  that  went  to  Claverack  agreable  to  the 
Courts  order £270  0  0 

[180]  8'7  Voted  to  chufe  a  committee  to  repair  the 
Bridge  by  the  Alills 

91^    Voted  that  the  committee  confist  of  three    .     .     . 

10^7  Voted  and  Chose  M':  Joseph  Walker  Mr  Ephr 
Kimball  Junr  &  Mr  Hezekiah  Hodgskins  to  be  the  Com- 
mittee    .     .     . 

11'7  Voted  that  it  be  left  difcresunary  with  the  Com- 
mittee to  cover  the  Bridge  with  what  timber  they  shall 
think  proper    .     .     . 

12*7  Voted  to  allow  Deacon  Goodridge  his  ac!  for 
attending  the  Convention  at  Concord  the  sixth  of  Octr 
which  Twenty  two  pounds £22 


Town  of  Fitchbjirgh.  205 

13ly    Voted    to   allow   Cap^    Will'"   Thurlo   his  Ac^.    for 

two  Burying  Cloths  which  is  Sixty   jjounds     .     .     £60 

14'7  Voted  to  raise  Thirteen  pounds  which  the  Select- 
men has  hired  to  pay  Two  mens  Mileage  Mone_v  to  Rhod- 
ifland  which  is  to  be  taken  out  of  the  Next  State  tax 

£13  0  0 
15ly    Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difolved 

David  Goodridge   Moderator 
A  true  coppy  from  the  Minutes     Attest     Joseph  I-'ox 

b}'  order  of  the  Town  Clerk 
march  the  6  1780 


(Scale)  Worcefter  fs  to  James  Paterfon  Cunftable  for 
the  Town  of  Fitchburgh     Greeting     .... 

Thefe  are  therfore  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and 
people  of  the  State  of  the  mafsachufets  bay  to  order  and 
Direct  you  forth  with  to  notify  the  free  holders  and  other 
Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  P^itchburgh  Oualifvd  by  Law 
to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afsemble  at  the  meeting  in 
Fitchburgh  on  monday  the  Sixth  Day  of  march  next  at 
nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning  then  and  their  being 
duely  meet  and  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles  (viz) 

I'y    to  Chuese  a  moderator  to  Govern  s'.'    meeting    .     . 

2'y  —  to  Chuse  Select  men  &  other  Town  officers  for 
the  year  infuing  as  the  law  &  athority  directs     .     .     . 

3'y  —  to  axce])t  aney  high  ways  or  ])rivet  Roads  that 
has  bin  laid  out  by  the  Select  men  or  their  order  or  anc}' 
alterations  on  old  Roads 

4'y  —  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Conlidcr  m*"  James  Pater- 
fon for  his  Servis  as  Cunftable  for  s''  Town  the  last  year 
and  make  him  Sum  Reward 

5'y  —  to  See  what  Sum  or  Sumcs  of  money  the  town 
will  Raise  to  keep  the  high  ways  in  repair,  and  Sec  what 
method  Shall  be  workt  out  for  the  ])rcfcnt  year 

[181]  6'>— to  See  who  will  take  nirs  Hart  (K:  Suportc 
Her  one  3'ear  and  for  what  sum 

7'>'  —  to  See  if  the  Town  will  abate  aiicy  Pcrfons  Rates 
on  aney  lifts  Committed  to  aney  of  the  Cunftablcs  or  ancv 
part 


206  The  Old  Records  of  the 

8'y  —  to  See  if  the  town  will  vote  the  Swine  to  Go  at 
large   the   prefent   year   unrler   the   Regulations   of  the  law 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrent 
with  your  dowing  their  in  to  Som  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  time  &  day  a  hove  mentncd  Given  under  our  Hands 
and  Seal  at  Fitchburgh  this  Sixteenth  day  of  lY'brury  and 
in  the  vear  of  our  Lord  1780 


David  Goodridge     |        Select 
Phinehas  Hartwell  [     men  for 
Elijah  Carter  J  Fitchburgh 


Fitchburgh  Februry  the  21  1780     .... 

Tn  obediance  to  the  within  Rit  I  have  notifyed  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  to  meet  at  the 
time  and  place  within  mentined 

James  Paterfon   Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  a  lembled  march  the  6  1780 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y    voted  and  Chofe  Decon  David  Goodridge  moderator 

2 — '^  voted  that  their  be  five  Select  men  Chofe  and 
that  they  be  the  Affsefors  for  the  year  Infuing    .     .     . 

3 — 'y    voted  and  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  firft  Select  man 

4 — 'y    voted  and  Chofe  Elijah  Carter  Second  Select  man 

5 — '>'  voted  and  Chofe  Dr  Thadiues  Alaccartey  third 
Select  man 

6 — ^y  voted  and  Chofe  Cap*  Jonathan  Wood  forth 
Select  man     .... 

7— ly  voted  and  Chofe  Cap*  William  Thurlo  fifth  Se- 
lect man     .... 

8— ly    voted  and  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk     .     . 

9 — 'y    voted  and  Chofe  Joseph  Fox  Town  Treafurer  .    . 

10 — '-^  voted  and  Chofe  Decon  Goodridge  Ifaac  Gibson 
Jofeph  Walker  be  the  Committer  of  Safty     .     .     . 

11 — '-^'  voted  and  Chofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  Cunftable 
for  the  north  Side  of  the  Town     .     .     . 

12  •>■  voted  and  Chofe  mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  Cunfta- 
ble for  the  South  Side  of  s^^  Town     .     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  207 

voted  and  Reconsiderd  the  vote  and  mr  Phinehas  Saw- 
yer be  Excufed  from  Serving  Cunftable     .     .     . 

[182]  13— '>'  voted  and  Chofe  John  far  well  and  Colo 
Ebenezer  Bridge  Ty  then  men 

14 — 'y  voted  and  Chofe  Kezekiah  Hodgkins  and  Afe 
Pere  and  Lint  Ifaac  Holden  and  Decon  John  Tlnirfton  and 
Phinehas  Brown  and  Jofe{)h  Holt  and  Joieph  (iray  and 
Jofeph  Sawyer  and  Liu*^  Tho"*  Hartwell  Survaers  of  high 
Ways     .     .     . 

15 — '•^'  voted  and  Chole  William  Small  ^  Amos 
ordewa Der  Revs 

16 — 'y  voted  and  Chofe  Samnel  Downe  &  David 
Parce fiere   Wards 

17  '-^'  voted  and  Chofe  Ebenezer  Polley  &  Thos  Hil- 
ton Abraham  Ciil)son  &  Jonathan  ware     .     .     .     hog  Reves 

18 — '-^'  voted  and  Chofe  James  Walker  Survare  of  .  . 
Shingels  &  Clabords 

19 — 'y  voted  and  Chofe  Cap^  Jonathan  Wood  Survare 
of hups   &   Staves 

20 — '-^  voted  and  Chofe  James  Poole  &  Jofhua  Parce 
fire  wards fire  wards 

21 — '-^'    voted  and  Chofe  Amos  ordewa  .  .  Seler  of  lether 

22 — '>■  voted  and  Chose  David  Parce  Seler  of  waits  & 
.     .     .     Sealor  of  Waits  &  mefuers 

23 — '>■  voted  £ind  Raifd  Three  Thoufand  Six  hundred 
pounds  to  repaire  the  high  Wa3's  &  Bridges  the  year  Infu- 
ing  —  and  to  ])e  workt  out  at  Eighteen  18/  Shilings  pr 
ower  on  the  Spote,  a  Cart  at  36/  pr  Day  &  a  plow  at 
36/  pr  da^^  &  a  3'oake  of  Good  oxen  -3:  '12:  "0  pr  Day 

24- — '>■  voted  that  Cap*^  Samuel  Burbank  have  two 
hundred  &  two  pounds  for  Suporting  wV  hart  one  whole 
year  and  So  in  proportion  il"  She  Should  not  Live  the 
whole  of  the  year £202-0-0 

25 — '>  voted  and  abated  John  Priefts  pole  tax  in  m"^ 
James  Paterfons  list 

26 — '>"  voted  that  the  Swine  (lO  at  large  being  Regu- 
lated a  Cording  to  law 

27 — 'y  voted  and  abated  mr  I-^pli'"  Kimballs  pole  tax 
in  mr  James  Paterfons  list 


208  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[18,*{]  28 — 'y  voted  and  axcepted  of  a  two  Rod 
Roade     .... 

Laid  out  by  the  Select  men  and  their  order  a  Two 
Rod  road  Regining  at  the  South  line  of  Thos  Cowdin  Jur" 
land  Runing  East  of  the  Dweling  house  of  ^^  Cowdins 
through  his  land  to  the  Common  land  &  through  the 
Common  land  to  Liut  Phillips  land  &  through  S''  Phillips 
land  to  the  north  of  f'.'  Phillips  Barn  marcd  trees  on  the 
Eaft  Side  of  s*^  Road,  for  a  beter  Commodation  of  the  in- 
habitents  on  the  Road  Runing  from  Holdings  mills  to  the 
County  Road  to  the  meeting  house — we  have  made  the 
altrations  from  the  former  Road  as  folows  begining  at  the 
wefterdly  Side  of  mr  Whelers  house  Runing  on  s^  Whelers 
land  to  Aaron  Batons  land  &  on  s*^  Batons  land  to  Thos 
Batons  land  so  through  s*^  Batons  land  to  Amos  Darbys 
land  to  the  former  Road  which  leds  to  the  County  Road 
&  markt  trees  on  the  South  Side  of  s'^  Rode  to  s''  Amos 
Durbys  house  —  and  the  Land  Given  by  the  owners 

Dated  Fitchburgh  Febuery  the  28  1780 

Phinehas  Hartwell  f 
Bliiah  Carter  I  ^  ..^ 

Seth  Phileps  1  Committe 

Thos  Cowdin  ]\V     \ 


Fitchburgh  Septembr  1779     .... 

*We  the  Subscribors  being  inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  being  Partyes  Concernd  in  Giving  Land  for  a 
publick  Road  from  Afhby  begining  at  the  northerdly  Side 
of  m''  Samuel  Gibsons  land  through  to  Capt  Jofiah  Stearnes 
land  through  s^'  Stearnes  land  to  mr  Lemuel  Hafkells  & 
Jonathan  Brooks  land  then  on  s"^  line  between  s*^  Haskell 
&  Brooks  about  against  haskels  house  then  all  on  s*' 
Brooks  land  by  or  near  Brookes  house  to  mr  Jofeph  veneys 
land  through  s"^  veneys  land  nar  his  house  then  on  s^ 
veneys  &  Browns  line  to  Browns  Corner  then  all  on  s'^ 
venes  to  mr  Jacob  upton  land  then  through  s*^  uptons  land 

*Termini3s  of  the  road   at    Francis  Dean's,  formerly   Jacob  Uptons. 
[Annotation  on  the  margin.     W.  A.  D.] 


Commtte 


Town  of  Fitchbnrgh.  209 

by  or  near  his  buldin<Ts  to  the  County  Road  and  the  Land 
Given  by  us  the  Subscribors      Phinehas  Brown 

Lemuel  Hafkel 
Jacob  Upton 
Samuel  Gibson 
Jonathan  Brook 
Jofeph  Venen 

29 — '■^'  voted  that  all  the  old  high  way  Survacr  work 
work  out  their  old  high  way  Rates  on  all  their  old  lists 
for  the  last  3'ear 

30— 'y  voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjurnd  to  the  third 
monday  of  this  Inftant  march  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after 
noon  the  meeting  is  adjurnd  a  Cordingly  to  the  20  Day  of 
this  Inftent  march  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon 

[184]  march  the  20  1780  Then  the  Town  meet 
acording  to  adjurmement  and  the  meeting  opned     .     .     . 

31'-^  voted  and  Excuesed  mr  Phinehas  SawN'er  from 
serving  Constable 

32*.'    Voted  and  chofe   M":  Daniel  Farwell  Constable  for 
the  South  Side  — 
33'?    Voted   and   allow.d   Reuben  Gibson  Jun. 

his   Acc^  for  providing  Necefsaries  for  Mr^ 

Hart  &  Nursing  when  sick £45  18     0  0 

34  Voted  and  abated  John  Priest, s  Poll  Tax 

in  James  Pattersons  List £10     0     0  0 

voted   and   abated   John   Prifts  pole  tax   Afe 

Perreys  List 10     0 

35  Voted  and  abated  W"  Stewards  Rates  in 

Afa   Perrys   Lists 0  14     0  0 

36  Voted  and  abated  Asahel  Hartwells  Rates 

in  Afa  Perrys   I^ist 014 

37  Voted   and   abated    David   Winchs   Rates 

in   Afa   Perrys   List 0  15     6  - 

38  Voted   and   abated    Tim?    Kendall    Rates 

in  Stewards    List 042- 

39  \'()ted  and  abated  Jon-.'  Taylors  Rates  in 

Afa   Perrevs   List 052- 


voted  and  abated  in  m*"  Perrys  Lists  the  Sev- 

rall  Prions ' 3  12  10 

Sum  total  4  17     9 

«4 


210  The  Old  Records  of  the 

the  Sum  abated  for  Soloman  Steward     .... 
voted  and  abated  Ely  Rufsells  minesters  Rate  ..250 
The  oficers  Chofe  into   Town   oficefs  a  peard   and   tuck 
the  oaths  Kequird  by  law  Refpecting  their  Sevrall  ofices 
This  meeting  Disolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


[185]  (Seal)  Worcel'ter  fs  To  m*"  Daniel  Farwell  one 
of  the  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting — 
Thefe  are  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and  people  of  the 
mafsachusets  Bay  to  order  and  direct  you  forth  with  to 
Notify  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburgh  qualifyd  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings 
to  afsemble  at  the  Meeting  house  in  Fitchburgh  on  Tuef- 
day  the  Twenty  third  Day  of  this  Ins^  may  at  one  of  the 
Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being  duely  met  to 
act  on  the  following  articles     .     .     . 

I'y    To  choofe  a  moderator    .     .     . 

2'y  To  heere  the  Constitution  or  Form  of  Goverment 
latly  formd  b^^  the  Convention  appointed  for  that  pur- 
pose read  and  approve  or  dis  approve  of  the  Same  or 
make  aney  alterations  thereon  as  they  Shall  think   proper 

3'-^  To  See  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into  to 
Suport  the  Rev^  mr  Payson  for  the  futer  and  also  to 
make  him  a  Grant  for  the  Depreisation  of  the  money  the 
past  year  or  act  any  thing  refering  there  to  as  they  shall 
think  proper    .... 

4^-'^  To  See  if  the  Town  will  dismifs  Cap*  Jonathan 
Wood  at  his  own  defire  from  Serving  as  a  Committe  man 
for  supplying  the  Soldiers  familys  now  in  the  Continental 
armey  and  Choofe  a  nother  in  his  Room     .... 

Hereof  faile  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  and 
your  doings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
above  s^  day  Given  under  our  hands  &  Scale  this  Eighth 
day  of  may  A  D  1780  — 

Thos  Cowdin       \  Select  men 
Thad^  Maccart\'  j         for 
Jonathan  Wood  )  Fitchburgh 


Tozvii  of  Fitchbiirgh.  211 

Worelter  fs  In  obediance  to  the  within  warrant  I  have 
notifyd  and  warnd  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Qualifyd  by  Law  agre- 
able  to  the  within  warrant 

Fitchburgh  may  the  23  1780 

Daniel  Farwell  Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  Afsembled  may  the  23  1780 

Tho''  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[18(>]  l'>  voted  and  Chofe  mr  Phinehas  Hartwell 
moderator 

2'y  voted  and  axcepted  of  the  Conftitution  or  forme 
of  Goverment  as  it  is  Sot  forth  in  the  Books  Sent  to  the 
Sevral  Towns  in  this  State,  the  number  prefent  at  the 
Town  meeting  was  65  —  and  not  one  against  the  Confti- 
tution or  form  of  Goverment,  but  unanemosly  a  Greed  to 
axcept  of  it  without  one  Defenting  voice 

3'>'  voted  and  Chofe  a  Committee  to  now  or  find 
what  the  Depreisation  of  the  mone\'  is  Sins  mr  Paysons 
Salory  was  (iranted  in  Septembr  27  1779 

4'y  voted  and  Chofe  mr  Kindall  Boutall  Phinehas 
Sawyer  Ju!l  &  Eph'"  Kimball  Jur  to  be  a  Committe  to 
bring  in  to  s''  Town  what  the  mone^-  Deprefheated  Sins 
mr  Pa3'Sons  Saler\-  was  Granted  last  fall 

5'y  voted  not  to  Difmifs  Capt  Jonathan  Wood  from 
beng  a  Commite  man 

6'y  voted  and  a  jurnd  the  Town  meeting  one  hower 
to  wate  to  here  the  report  of  the  Committe     .... 

7'y  the  Town  meet  at  the  time  s''  meeting  ftud  ajurnd 
to  and  the  Report  of  the  Committe  is  that  the  Town  pay 
mr  Payson  three  thoufand  three  hundred  and  twenty 
pounds  foure  Shilings  to  make  his  Salery  Good  fins  s'' 
Salery  was  Granted £3320-4-0 

8'y  voted  that  the  Afsefsors  afefs  the  Sum  of  three 
thoufand  three  hundred  &  twent}'  pounds  4/  on  the  In- 
habitents with  out  Delay  in  order  to  pa3'  mr  Payson  the 
above  fum 

9'-^'     voted  and  Difolvd  the  Town  meeting 

Phinehas  Ilartwell    moderator 
Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


212  The  Old  Records  of  the 

(Sealc)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  one  of 
the  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting  —  In 
the  Name  of  the  Govefment  &  people  of  the  State  of 
maiachusets  Ba\'  3'ou  are  herby  requird  to  notify  &  warne 
the  Freholders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  s''  Town  qualifyd 
by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afemble  &  meet  at 
the  meeting  house  in  s^'  Fitchburgh  on  monda}'  the 
Sevententh  of  this  Infant  July  at  one  o  Clock  in  the  after 
noon  then  &  their  being  duely  met  &  formd  to  act  on  the 
folowing  articles  viz  — 

1    to  Choose  a  moderator 

2'y  to  See  Whether  the  Town  will  raise  aney  Sum  or 
Sumes  of  mone^^  to  pay  Such  Soldiers  as  have  or  may 
enlift  for  the  prefent  Campain  or  act  any  thing  thereon 
as  they  fhall  think  proper 

Here  of  fail  not  and  make  return  of  your  doings  hereon 
to  Sum  one  of  us  at  or  bef  before  s"^*  day  —  Given  under 
our  hands  &  Scale  this  first  day  of  July  A  D  1780 

Thos  Cowdin        f  Select  men 
Elijah  Carter       \  for 

Thads  maccartj'  \  Fitchburgh 

[187]     Worcefter  fs    Fitchburgh  July  the  15  1780 
a    Greable    to    this   warrant    I    have  notified    the    free 
holders   and  other  Inhabitents   of  s^  Town  to   afemble  at 
time  and  place  for  the  purpose  within  mentioned 

Phnehas  Hartwell  Cunftable 

at  a  Legall  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afembld  July  the  17  1780 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 
I'y    voted  and  Chofe  Decon  David  Goodridge  moderator 
2^y    voted  that    this    Town    meeting    be  ajurnd   til   to 
next  fryda  the  21  Day  of  this  Inftant  July  at  two  o  Clock 
in  the  after  noone 

Tho®  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

Fitchburgh  July  the  21  1780  The  Town  meet  and 
opned  the  meeting  aCording  to  the  ajurnment     .     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  213 

3'y  voted  &  Raised  fift}-  Thousand  pounds  to  pay  the 
Solders  that  have  bin    Raised  for    the    prel'ent    Campaine 

both  Conantial  &  molisha £50000-0-0 

This  meeting  Disolvd  — 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

(Seale)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  one 
of  the  Cunftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting  — 
In  the  name  of  the  Goverment  &  people  of  the  State  of 
the  Mafachufits  Bay  you  are  herby  rcquird  to  warne  the 
free  holders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burgh qualifyd  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  s''  Town  Thursday  the  20 
of  this  Inftant  July  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  to 
act  on  the  folowing  Articles     .     .     . 

1'^    To  Choose  a  moderator     .... 

2'y  To  See  Whether  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  new 
Committe  to  hire  men  for  the  Serves  of  the  uniteed  States 
for  futter  or  act  aney  thing  thereon  as  they  Shall  think 
proper     .     .     . 

Hereof  faile  not  &  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  thereon  to  Sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  s*^ 
day  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal  this  5  Day  of  July 
A  D  1780 

Thos  Cowdin     |  Select  men 
Thds  maccart}'  \         for 
Elijah  Carter     j  Fitchburgh 

Worcefter  fs  Fitchburgh  July  the  17  1780  a  Greable 
to  Direction  of  this  warrant  I  have  notifyd  the  free  hold- 
ers and  other  Inhabitents  of  s'^  Town  to  asemble  at  time 
and  place  for  the  purpos  within  mentned 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Cunftable 

[188]  at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  P'itchburgh  afcnibled  July  the  21,  1780  upon  an 
ajurnment  from  the  20  Day  to  fryday  the  21  by  Reason 
of  a  publick  fast  which  was  apointed  by  athority 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


214  The  Old  Records  of  the 

liy     voted  and  Chofe  Decon  David  Goodridj^^e  moderator 

2'y  voted  and  Difmist  the  old  Committe  that  was 
Chofe  to  hire  men  to  ferve  as  Solder  in  the  armey  of  the 
united  States 

3'y  voted  to  Chuse  a  new  Cotnmittc  to  hire  Solders 
for  the  futter  or  til  the  Towns  farther  order 

4'y  voted  and  Chofe  Jofeph  Walker  &  Cap*  Ruben 
Gibson  &  David  Pare  to  be  a  Committe  to  hire  Solders 
til  the  Towns  further  order  —  This  meeting  Disolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

(Seale)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  one  of 
the  Cunftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting     .     .     . 

In  the  Name  of  the  Goverment  &  People  of  the  State 
of  the  mafachufets  Bay 

Thefe  are  to  requiere  you  a  Greabel  to  Law  to  notify 
&  warne  all  the  male  Inhabitents  of  s*^  Town  being  Twenty 
one  years  of  age  &  upward  having  an  annuel  Income  of 
three  Pounds  or  any  Estate  to  the  value  of  Sixty  Pounds, 
to  afsemble  &  meet  at  the  Meetinghouse  in  s^  Fitchburg 
on  Monday  the  fourth  day  of  September  next  at  Nine 
o  clock  in  the  forenoon  then  &  there  being  duely  met  & 
formed  agreable  to  the  new  Constitutions  of  Goverment 
to  vote  — 

1  For  a  Governor  — 

2  For  a  Lieutenant  Governor  — 

3  To  Five  Persons  to  be  Counsellors  &  senators 
Hereof  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  Warrant  with 

your  doings  thereon  to  some  of  us  at  or  before  s?  day  — 
Given  under  our  hands  &  seal  this  Eighteenth  day  of 
August,  A  D  1780 

Tho!  Cowdin 

Thad?   Maccartv 

W"  Thurlo 

Elijah  Carter 


Select  men 

for 
Fitchburg 


[189]     Worcefter  fs  Fitchburg  Septembr  the  2  1780 
that    a    greable    to    the    Directions  of  this   warrant   I 
have    Notified    the    freeholders    and    other    Inhabitents    of 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  215 

said  town  to   afsemble  at  time  and   place  for  the   Porpse 
within  mentned  — 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Conftable 

at  a  Legall  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchbnrgh  afembled  Septer  the  4  1780 

Tho''  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 
firftly    voted  for  a  Governer  the  Honarable  John  Hand- 
cock  had  Sixty  three  votes 63  votes 

the   Honarable  James   Boadwine  one     ....     1  Dito 
then    voted  for  a  Senetr  the  number  of  votes 
for  the  honable  Samuel   Hotten   thirty  five  vts         35  Dito 
for  Jofeph   Darr   Esq  —  thirt3'   three      ....     33  Dito 

for  Izreal  Nichols  Esq 33  Dito 

for  Amos  Singletory  Esq 30  Dito 

for  Samuel  Curties  Esq 28  Dito 

the  Returns  made  and  Directed  to  the  Secrctry  at  Bof- 
ton  &  Sined  bv  the  Select  men  namlv     .     .     . 


Elijah  Carter 
Tha''  Alaccarty 
Jonathan  Wood 
William  Thurlo 


Select 

men 

for 

fitchburgh 


Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[190]  (Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  m""  Phinehas  Hartwell 
one  of  the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greet- 
ing     

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Goverment  &  People  of 
the  State  of  mafsachusets  Bay  to  will  &  require  you  forth- 
with to  warne  the  Free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  qualified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  afcmble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house  on 
monay  the  Ninth  Day  of  October  next  at  one  O  Clock  in 
the  after  noon  then  &  their  being  duly  met  and  formd  to 
act  on  the  following  artcles  that  is 

I'y    to  Chufe  a  moderator 

2'^  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  Come  into  to 
Suport  the  Revrant  mr  Payson  the  Year  Infuing  or  act 
aney  thing  thereon  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

3'-^  to  raise  money  to  Suport  the  Poor  cv  Indegant 
perfons  in  s''  Town  if  need     .     .     . 


216  The  Old  Records  of  the 

4'y  raise  money  to  Suply  the  Treafury  &  pay  Town 
Charges  particularly  to  Support  the  Continental  Solders 
families     .... 

5'y  for  all  Perfons  that  have  done  Service  for  the 
Town  to  bring  in  their  acounts  for  acceptance  and  raise 
money  to  pay  the  fame    .... 

6'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  Come  into  to 
provide  mr  Paysons  wood  the  year  infuing     .... 

7'y  to  See  in  what  method  the  Town  will  provide 
Scooling  and  raife  money  for  the  Suporte  of  the  Same  or 
act  aney  thing  thereon  as  they  Shall  think  proper  — 

Here  of  faile  not  &  make  return  of  this  warrent  with 
your  doings  thereon  to  Some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  &  time  above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  & 
Scale  this  Twenty  fifth  Day  of  Sepembr  A  D  1780 

Elijah  Carter        |  Select  men 
Thads  maccarty  \        for 
Jonathan  Wood  )  Fitchburgh 

Worcefter  fs    Fitchburgh  octobr  the  9  1780 
agreable  to  the  Directons  of  this   warant  I  have  Noti- 
fid   the  free  holders  &  other  in  habitents   of  s''  Town  to 
meet  at  time  &  place  and  for  the  purpose  within  mentned 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Cunftable 

[191]  at  a  Legall  meetings  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburgh  afembled  octobr  the  9  1780 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

I'y    Voted  and  Chofe  mr  Jofeph  Walker  moderator   .    . 

2'^  voted  to  Raise  one  hundred  pounds  in  hard  money 
to  pay  the  Revrant  mr  Payson  his  Salery  the  year  Infu- 
ing to  be  paid  in  hard  money  or  produfe  that  is  Whete  at 
nine  Shilings  pr  bufhels  ry  at  6/  pr  bufhel  Inden  Corn  at 
4/  pr  bufhel  Labor  in  the  Sumer  at  4/  pr  Day  flax  at  1/ 
pr  pound  poark  at  5^  pr  pound  Shep  wool  at  2/  pr 
pound  Beefe  at  3^  half  peney  pr  pound  and  all  other 
produfe  in  proportion £100-0-0 

3'y  voted  to  pay  Capt  Samuel  Burbank  .  .  £202-0-0 
for  Suporting  mrs  Hart  one  whole  year  &  so  in  propor- 
tion if  she  should  not  Live  the  year  out 


Town  of  Fitchbjirgh.  217 

4'y  voted    to    Raife  two    Thoufand    foure  hundrd   and 

Sixten    pounds    to    Suply   the    Conantnal    famelys  and   to 

Defray  Town   Charges £24-16-0-0 

5'y      voted      to      alow      Colo      Ebenezer      Bridge      his 

acount    69-18-0- 

6'y  voted  to  alow  Levi  Kimball  his  acount  .  16-10-0- 
7'y  voted  to  alow  Phinehas  Hartwell  his  acount  22-0-0- 
8'-^  voted  to  alow  John  Putnam  his  acount  .  15-6-0- 
9'y  voted  to  alow  Dr  maccart}'  his  a  Count  .  291-0-0- 
lO'y  voted  to  alow  Daniel  Putnam  his  aCount  160-0-0- 
ll'y  voted  to  alow  Oliver  Stickne  his  acount  .  14-4-0-0- 
12'y    voted      to      alow      Cap*^     Jonathan      Wood      his 

acount     84-0-0- 

13'>'  voted  to  alow  William  Brown  his  acount  .  30-0-0- 
14iy  voted  to  alow  Jofeph  Sawyer  his  a  Count  .  7-4-0- 
15'y  Voted  to  alow  afeph  Perre  his  a  Count  .  32-10-0- 
16'y  voted  to  alow  John  farwell  his  acount  .  18-0-0- 
IT^y  voted  to  alow  Jacob  upton  his  acount  .  32-10-0- 
IS'y  voted  to  alow  Elijah  Carter  his  acount  .  64-0-0- 
19'y     voted      to      alow      Decon     John      Thurlton      his 

aCount 20-0-0- 

'y      voted       to      alow       Kindall       Boutall      his      a 

Count 38-18-0^  taken  oft' 

20'y     voted      to      alow      Capt      Ruben      Giblbn      his 

acount     20-0-0- 

21'y  voted  to  alow  Jol'eph  Walker  his  a  Count  .  16-0-0- 
22'y  voted  to  alow  Ifaac  Gibson  his  a  Count  .  9-0-0- 
23'y  voted  to  alow  John  Goodard  his  a  Count  .  3-0-0- 
24'y    voted   to  pay   John   farwell  for  finding  &   Deliv- 

ring  at  mr   Paysons  house  thirty   Coards  of  Good   Wood 

£440-0-0 ' 440-0-0 

[11)2]     25'y     voted  to  Raife  Two  Thoufand    pounds  to 

provide   a   Scool   or   Scools £2000-0-0 

and  also  £500  pounds  I  Thos  Cowdin  Give  to  be  Scoold 

out  in  the  Scool  house  Sot  on  8*^  Cowdins  Land    .   £500-0-0 

Thos  Cowdin 
26'y    voted   and   Chofc  (>   as  a  Committe  to  provide  a 

Scool  mafter  or  raafters     .... 

27'>-     voted   Chofe  Jofeph  Walker  cS:  Decon  Thurfton  & 

David   Parce  &  Jofeph   Downc  &  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju'^  & 


218  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Jofeph  farnsworth  to  be  a  Committe  to  provid  Scool  maf- 
ter  or  m afters     .     .     . 

28'y  voted  that  Each  Committe  man  Draw  his  part 
of  the  Towns  money  acording  to  their  valuation 

This  meeting  Difolvd 

Jofeph  Walker  moderator 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcester  fs  — To  Mr  Phinehas  Hart  well  One  of 
the  Constables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting — These 
are  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  &  People  of  the  State 
of  Mafsachusetts  Bay  to  will  &  require  You  forthwith  to 
notif^^  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  qualified  by  the  new  Constitution  to  vote  for 
a  Reprefentative  to  Afsemble  &  meet  at  the  Meeting  house 
in  s"?  Fitchburg  on  Monday  the  Ninth  day  of  October  next 
at  five  o  clock  in  the  Afternoon  to  elect  &  depute  a  proper 
Person  to  reprefent  them  in  the  Great  &  General  Court  to 
be  convend,  held  &  kept  at  the  State  house  in  Boston  on 
the  last  Wednesday  of  October  next  or  act  any  thing 
thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  due  returns  of  this  Warrant 
with  your  doings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
s?  day  —  Given   under  our  hands    &  seal    this  twentyfifth 

day  of  September  A  D  1780 

Elijah  Carter         \  Selectmen 
Thad!    Maccarty  '         for 
Jon'?  Wood  '  j  Fitchburg 

[193]  Worcester  fs  — Fitchburg  October  9th.  1780  — 
Agreable  to  the  Directions  of  this  Warrant  I  have 
notified  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  s"?  Town 
qualified  by  the  new  Constitution  to  vote  for  a  Reprefenta- 
tive to  meet  at  time  &  place  &  for  the  purposes  within 
mentiond 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Cons* 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  October  9*1'  1780.  Cap*  Tho!  Cowdin  was 
chosen  to  represent  f^  Town  at  the  Great  &  General 
Court  to  be  convent  held  &  kept   at  the  state  House  in 


Tozvn  of  Fitchburgh.  219 

Boston  on  the  last   Wednesday  of  October  current,  agrea- 
ble  to  the  new  Constitution  or  form  of  Goverment 

Elijah  Carter        |  Selectmen 
Thad^  Maccartv  J         for 
WV   Thurlo        '  J  Fitchburg 
Attest  Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


(Seale)  Worefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Hartwcll  one  of 
the  Conftables  of  the  Towne  of  Fitchburgh    Greeting    .    . 

Thefe  are  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  &  people  of 
the  State  of  Mafsachusetts  Bay  to  will  &  require  you 
verbally  forthwith  to  warn  the  Free  holders  &  other  In- 
habetants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  qualified  by  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afemble  &  meet  at  the  Meeting 
house  in  s''  Fitchburgh  on  MondaN'  the  23  Day  of  this 
Ins*  October  at  Two  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  & 
their  being  duely  meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  following 
articles  viz     .... 

I'y    to  choofe  a  Moderator 

2'y  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  procure  the 
Beef  required  by  the  General  Coart  in  their  refolves  of 
Septembr  the  25  1780  —  Hereof  fail  not  &  make  due  returne 
of  your  doings  therin  together  with  this  warrant  to  Some 
one  of  us  at  or  before  s*^  Day 

Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal  this  twentieth  Da}-  [104] 
of  October  A  D  1780 

Thos  Cowdin        [  Select  men 
Thad'*  MaccartN' I         for 
H;iijah  Carter        (  Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs  a  Greeable  to  the  Directions  of  this  war- 
rent  I  have  Given  verbale  notice  to  the  Inhabitents  to 
attend  a  meeting  to  be  held  at  the  meeting  house  the  23 
Da3'  at  two  O  Clock  after  noon  of  this  Inftant  October  — 
Fitchburg  October  the  23  1780 

Phinehas  Ilartwell   Cunftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburgh  afsembled  octobr  the  23  17S0     .     .     . 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 


220  The  Old  Records  of  the 

I'y    voted  and  Chofe  Decon  David  Goodridge  moderator 

2'y  votted  and  raised  Eight  Thousand  pound  .  £8000  — 
to  proqure  or  purches  foure  Thousand  &  Eight  hundred 
pounds  of  Beefe  a  Greable  to  a  Refolvc  of  the  General 
Coart  of  September  the  25  1780  — 

3'y  votted  to  Chufe  a  Committee  to  procure  the  Beefe 
for  the  armey  a  Greable  to  the  Coarts  Refolve  — 

4'y  votted  and  Chofe  Decon  John  Thurfton  &  Afe 
Perre  and  Eph™  Kimball  Jur  to  be  a  Committe  to  pur- 
ches the  Beefe  and  that  the  Towns  Committe  Give  their 
Securety  in  behalfe  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  for  s'^  Beefe  — 

The  meeting  Difolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[195]  (Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Hartwell 
one  of  the  Cunftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

In  the  Name  of  the  Common  welth  of  mafsachufets 
you  are  herb^^  requird  Verbaly  to  notif^^  &  warn  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitents  belonging  to  the  North  side 
of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Qualified  b3'  Law  to  vote  in 
Town  meetings  to  afsemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house 
in  s'^  Town  on  monday  ti\e  25  Day  of  this  Ins*  Decembr 
at  one  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  Duely 
met  &  formd   to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles  viz     .... 

1^^    to  Chuese  a  moderator 

2^^  to  See  in  what  method  the  Town  will  provide 
Beefe  for  the  use  of  the  armey  agreable  to  the  General 
Coarts  Refolvs  &  act  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper 

3^y  to  See  whether  the  Town  will  alow  ane^'  acounts 
to  perfons  to  whome  it  is  Indeted  or  act  ane\'  thing  there 
on  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

Here  of  faile  not  &  make  due  returne  of  this  War- 
rant with  3^our  dowings  thereon  to  Sum  one  of  us  at  or 
before  s^  daj'  — 

Given  under  our  Hands  &  Scale  this  21  daj^  of  Decembr 
A  D  1780 

Elijah  Carter        1  o  i     * 
rj^-,^  •,«  ,         Selectmen 

Thad^  maccarty   [  r 

Jonathan  Wood   i^-,   i  u 
William  Thurlo       ^itchburg 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  221 

Worcefter  fs   Fitchburgh  Decembr  the  23  1780 
A  Greabele  to  the   Directions  of  this   warrant   I   have 
notifyd   &   cafed    to    be  notifyd    the   free   holders   &   other 
Inhabitents  of  the  north  fide  of  f  Town  to  attend  at  time 
&  place  for  the  porpofes  within  mentned — 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afsembled  the  25  Day  Decembr  1780 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 
Fitchburgh  Decembr  the  25  1780     .     .     . 

I'y    voted  and  Chofe  mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  moderator 

2'y  voted  and  a  Jurnd  Down  to  the  house  of  Thos 
Cowdins 

3'y  voted  rafe  a  Sum  of  money  to  i)urchis  nine  thou- 
sand two  hundred  &  Sixteen  ])ounds  of  Beefe  .  .  9210  Wate 
of  Beefe 

4'y  voted  Raife  fifteen  Thousand  pounds  to  purches 
Beefe £15000-0-0- 

5'>'  voted  and  Chofe  Decon  John  Thurfton  mr  Afe 
Perre  &  mr  Eph'"  Kimball  &  Cap*  Thurio  to  be  a  Com- 
mitte  to  purches  the  Beefe  recpicfted  by  the  General  Courts 
Refolvs  of  Decembr  the  4-  1780 

6'y  voted  to  alow  mr  Hodgkin  his  a  Count  which 
is €184^18-0 

7'>'  voted  that  the  alTefsors  afefs  the  fifteen  thousand 
pounds  to  purches  the  Beefe  Requsted  by  the  General 
Courts  order  of  Decembr  the  4  1780     .... 

[11)(»]  8'>'  voted  that  this  Town  meeting  be  a  junid 
til  Tuefday  the  ninth  Day  of  Janeuery  1781  tlun  lo  meet 
at  the  meeting  hous  at  one  o  Clock  the  after  noon 

Then  the  Town  meet  is  a  jurnd  acordingly 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

Janeuary  the  9  1781  The  Town  meet  acording  to 
a  jurnment 

9'-^  voted  to  alow  mr  Walker  his  a  Count  for  mend- 
ing the  bridge   which   is £24-0-0 

10'>'     voted  to  alow  Afeph  Goodridgc  his  a  Count     .     . 

25-4-0  pd 


222  The  Old  Records  of  the 

11'^    voted  to  alow  Levi  Kimball  his  a  Count  .  48-12-0 
12'>'     voted  to  alow  Hezekiah  Hodgkins  his  a  Count   .    . 

54-0-0 
13'>'     voted   this   meeting  bee  adgornd   to   monday  the 
22   Da\'   of   this    Inftant   Janeuery    at    twelve  o   Clock   at 
noon     .... 

Then  to  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  f^  Fitchburgh 
This  meeting  is  adgornd  a  Cordingly 

fTha''"  maccarty   Town  Clerk 
\by  order  of  the  Select  men 
Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

acording  to  the  a  dgornment  the  Town  meet  on  the 
22  Day  of  Janeuery  1781     ... 

14'y    voted   that  the  Committe  be  orderd   to    procure 
the  Beefe  a  chepe  &  Soone  as  pofably  they  Can 
This  meeting  Difolvd 

Phinehas  Hartwell   moderator 
Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

(Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Daniel  Far  well  one  of  the 
Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting  .  .  In 
the  name  of  the  Goverment  and  people  this  Common 
welth  .  .  .  you  are  herby  Requird  to  warn  all  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  s''  Town  that  are  Quali- 
f3^d  b}'  Law  to  vote  in  Town  afares  to  afsemble  and  meet 
at  the  meeting  house  on  Tuefday  the  nonth  Day  of  Jane- 
uery 1781  at  ten  O  Clock  in  the  fore  noone  then  and  their 
being  Duely  meet  and  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles 

I'y    to  Chuefe  a  moderator 

2'^'  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  Com  into  to 
Raife  or  hire  the  nine  Contenantel  men  Requefted  b3'  the 
General  Courts  Refolve  of  Decembr  the  4  1780  —  or  act 
aney  thing  their  on  as  fhall  think  proper     .     .     . 

3'y  to  fe  whether  the  Town  will  Take  into  their  Con- 
fideration  all  thofe  that  have  Dun  more  than  their  pro- 
portion in  the  prefent  ware  or  act  aney  thing  there  on  as 
the\^  Shall  think  proper 

[197]  4'y  to  See  Whether  the  Town  will  Take  into 
their  Confideration  what  is  beft  to  be  done  as  to  the  new 
moneys    being    a    tender    as  their    is   Danger  of  f'^   tender 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  223 

being  taken  of  by  the  General  Coart  as  their  are  maney 
of  the  membr  much  in  faver  of  the  tenders  being  Difcon- 
tinued  or  act  ane^-  thing  there  on  as  the\'  Shall  think 
proper     .... 

Here  oft'  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrjint 
with  your  Dowings  there  on  to  fum  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  Day  above  mentned  Given  under  our  hands  and  Scale 
this  25  Day  of  Decembr  A  D  1780     .... 

Thos  Cowdin 
Elijah  Carter 
Jonathan  Wood 
William  Thurlo 


Select  men 

of 
Fitchburg 


Worcefter  fs     F'itchburgh  Janeucry  the  9  1781 
a  Greable  to  the  Directons  of  this  warrant  I  have  Xo- 
tifyd  all   the   free  holders  &  other   Inhabitents  of  s''  Town 
to  attend  at  time  &  place  for  the  purpofe  within  mentned 

Daniel  Far  well    Cunl'table 


At  a  Legall  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  afsembled  Janeucry  the  9  17S1 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

I'y    voted  and  Chofe  Capt  Jonathan  Wood   moderator 

2'^  voted  to  ajurn  s''  meeting  to  the  house  of  Cap*^ 
Cowdins  for  one  half  ower     .... 

3'-^  voted  to  Raife  the  nine  Contnantcl  men  l)y  a  Rate 
of  afseling  the  whole  town  for  their  Hire     .     .     . 

4'y  voted  to  alow  the  field  officers  &  Commifion  offi- 
cers belongin  to  town  as  an  addition  to  the  former  Com- 
mitte  to  Raise  the  men  to  Su])ply  the  prefent  ware  acord- 
ing  to  General  Coarts  order  — 

5'y  motined  to  See  whether  the  third  artcle  Shall  be 
acted  upon  the  vote  pafsed  in  the  Negetive  and  ])afed 
over     .... 

()'>  voted  to  Shue  their  minds  in  Regard  to  have  the 
Laft  omifhon  of  Contnantcl  bills  be  a  Lawfull  tender  & 
it  pafsed  in  the  aff'armitive     .... 

7'>'  voted  this  meeting  be  adjornd  to  monday  the  22 
Day    of   this    Inftiint   Janeucry  —  The    meeting    is    adjurnd 


224  The  Old  Records  of  the 

aCordingly    then   to   meet    at    the    meeting    house    at  one 
o  Clock  in  the  after  noon 

Phinchas  Hartvvell   Clark 
by  order  of  the  Select  men 

Janeuery  the  22  1781    met  at  the  adjorment  — 

8'-^    voted    and    Chofe    Decon   John    Thurfton    &    Liut 

Thos  Hartwell   as  an   adition  to  the  former  Committe  for 

Hiring  Solders  into  the  prefent  War 

Jonathan  Wood  moderator 
This  meeting  Difolvd         Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[198]  (vSeal)  Worcefter  fs  To  IVK  Phinehas  Hartwell 
One  of  the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting  — 

These  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Common  Wealth  of 
Maffachiifetts  to  will  &  require  you  forthwith  to  notify  & 
warn  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  Meetings  to 
afsemble  &  meet  at  the  Meeting  house  in  s*?  Fitchburg  on 
Alunday  the  Fifth  Day  of  March  next  at  Nine  O  Clock  in 
the  Forenoon  then  and  their  being  duly  met  &  form,d  to 
Act  on  the  following  Articles  viz 

1     To  chufe  a  Moderator 

2'7  To  choofe  Selectmen  &  other  Town  Officers  for  the 
year  enfuing  as  the  Law  directs 

3ly  To  Accept  any  roads  or  highways  that  have  ben 
laid  out  b}'  the  Selectmen  or  their  order     .     .     . 

4'7  To  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  money  the  Town  will 
raife  to  keep  the  high  ways  in  repair  and  see  in  what 
method  it  shall  be  work,"^  out  the  year  Enfuing    .     .     . 

51^  To  see  who  will  take  M^^  Hart  and  Support  her 
the  year  enfuing  and  for  what  sum  of  money     .     .     . 

6ly  To  see  if  the  Town  will  abate  any  persons  Rates 
on  any  List  committed  to  any  Constable,  or  any  part 

7'J  To  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  the  swine  to  go  at 
Large  the  prefent  3'ear  under  the  Regulations  of  the  Law 

8ly  To  see  if  the  Town  will  advance  to  the  Rev^  Mr 
Pa3'son  Money  safficient  to  pay  for  the  houfe  &  Land 
laying  next  to  him  which  now  belongs  to  Thaddeus 
Maccartv,  upon  condition  that  Mr  Payson  rehnquishes 
annual W  for  the  future  a  certain   Propotion  of  the  Wood 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  225 

which  the  Town  are  oblig,'^  to  provide  for  him,  or  whether 
the  Town  will  for  any  other  Confideration  advance  said 
money,  or  act  any  thinf^:  theiron  as  they  shall  think  proper 

91-^'  For  the  Town  to  hear  the  report  of  the  Commit- 
tee appointed  by  them  to  ])r(3ciire  Soldiers  for  the  Army 
and  Act  thereon  as  they  shall  think  ])roper  .     . 

10'/  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  make  any  Con- 
fideration to  the  Conftables  for  the  Last  year  for  their 
extraordinary  services,  or  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as 
they  shall  think  proper 

Illy  To  chufe  a  Regifter  of  Deeds  for  the  County  of 
Worcefter 

[199]  Hereof  fail  not  and  make'  return  of  the  War- 
rant with  3'our  doing  thereon  to  some  One  of  us  at  or 
before  s^  Day  Given  under  our  hands  &  seal  this  15^'^ 
Day  of  Februery  A  D  1781  — 

Elijah  Carter        )  Selectmen 
Thad':  Alaccarty  J        for 
Jonathan  Wood  J  F'^itchburg 

Worcester  fs.     March  5*^.^  1781 

Agreeable  to  the  directions  of  this  warrant  I  have 
Notified  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  said  town 
Quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings,  to  alTemble 
at  time  and  place  &  for  the  purpofes  within  mentioned 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Conftable 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  aflcmbled  on  munday  March  5**1  1781  — 

1'7    Voted  &  chose  Deacon  Goodridge  Moderator 

2'y  Voted  and  chofe  Tha'.'^  Maccarty  Daniel  Putnam 
Afa  Perry  Oliver  Stickney  &  Tho^  Hartwell  Selectmen  & 
aflefsors  for  the  year  Enfuing    .     .     .     Selectmen  <5v  Aficfsors 

3'7  Voted  and  Chose  Jofcph  Fox  Town  Clerk  .  .  Town 
Clerk 

4*7  Voted  and  chose  Jofeph  Fox  Town  Trcafurcr  .  Town 
Treafurer 

S'.y  Voted  and  chose  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson  Deacon  John 
Thurftin  &  Phinehas  Brown  Committy  of  Safty  .  .  Coni- 
mitty  of  Safty 

«5 


226  The  Old  Records  of  the 

6'7  Voted  and  chose  John  Carter  Conftable  for  the 
south   side Conftable 

71^  Voted  and  chose  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju";  Conftable 
for  the  North  Side Conftable 

8\y  Voted  and  Chose  John  Venon  &  David 
Pratt Tythingmen 

9l>-  Voted  and  Chose  Wl"  Small  Cap*  Sam'J  Burbank 
Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  Lent  Seth  Phillips  Jonathan  Rufsell 
Jofeph  Phelps  James  Walker  Jofeph  Venon  W™ 
Brown Highway  Survayors 

lO'J  Voted  &  chose  Daniel  Thurstin  Amos  Parce 
Tho?  Thurstin,  &  Jofeph  Policy    .......    Hogreves 

11'7  Voted  and  Chose  Paul  Wetherbee  &  Eli  Ruf- 
sell     Firewards 

12ly  Voted  and  Chose  James  Walker  .  .  .  Survayor 
of  Clabbords  &  Shingles 

13  Voted  &  chose  Cap*  Jon-?  Wood  .  .  .  Survayors 
of  hoops  &  Staves 

[300]  14iy  Voted  &  chose  Tho«  Thurstin  .  .  Sealer 
of  Leather 

15'.y  Voted  &  chose  David  Parce  ....  Sealer  of 
Weights  &  meafures 

16'y  Voted  &  raised  Six  thoufand  pounds  to  repair 
the  high  ways     .- £6000  - 

17'7  Voted  that  s^  Monc}'^  be  workt  out  at  five  Dol- 
lars an  hour  and  that  the  Oxen  Tools  &c  be  in  the  I'feal 
Propotion     .     .     . 

18^y  Voted  that  Each  person  work  his  Rates  out  b}' 
the  first  of  Dcember  and  if  it  is  not  work"?  out  b}-  that 
time  that  the  List  be  returned  to  the  Aflefsors  &  that 
the  Delinquency  be  annext  to  the  Delinquents  next  tax  — 

19'-^'  Voted  to  give  Cap*  Saml'  Burbank  Fort^'  bushels 
of  Rye  to  Support  M*:^  Hart  one  whole  year  from  this  time 
&  to  make  up  the  Depreciation  of  the  monc}-  the  3'ear 
Past  and  so  in  propotion  if  she  should  Die  before  the  end 
of  the  3'ear 

201^  Voted  that  the  swine  run  at  Large  the  \'ear  En- 
fuing  under  the  regulations  of  the  Law     .     .     . 

211-^'  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  Monday- 
the  12*'^  of  this  Inftent  March  and  this  meeting  is  adjorn.d 
accordingly 


Tmvii  of  Fitchbnrgh.  227 

March  12^^  the  Town  mett  according  to  adjomment 

22".'^  Voted  to  Difmifs  the  Eight  Article  article  in  the 
warrant  concerning  W.   Payfon^   Request     .     .     . 

23'-^'  Voted  that  the  Committee  chofen  to  procure  Sol- 
diers for  the  three  years  service  offer  the  men  that  shall 
go  for  three  ^ears  One  hundred  hard  DoUers  Each,  for 
Each  year 

24'7  Voted  to  Chuse  a  Committee  to  hire  Nine  hun- 
dred Dollers  hard  money  upon  the  Towns  Credit     .     .     . 

25'y  Voted  and  W'."  Brown  &  Elijah  Garfield  a  com- 
mittee for  the  above  purpose  of  hireing  the  Nine  hundred 
Dollers  hard  money  — 

26'7    Voted  to  pafs  over  the  10^''  article  in  the  warrant 

2T7  Voted  &  chose  NKJofeph  Walker  &  Nicholas  Dan- 
forth  fence  viewers Pence  viewers 

28'y  Voted  to  Endemnify  the  Allefsors  &  Millitia  ofter- 
cers  for  not  puting  in  Execution  the  Court*!  Refolves 
refpecting  clafsing  the  Inhabitants  in  order  to  procure  the 
Continential  men  required  of  this  Town 

[*i(>l]  29'7  Voted  to  abate  Eli  RufselH  Minefter"  De- 
preciation Rate  which  is   £6-13- £6  13  0 

30'7  Voted  to  adjorn  this  meeting  to  TusdaN'  the  13^** 
of  this  Inftant  March  at  two  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  at 
this  })lace  the  meeting  adjorn^  accordingly 

March  13^^  1781  The  Town  meet  according  to  adjorn- 
ment 

31'7  Voted  to  adjorn  this  meeting  to  munday  the  19^*' 
of  this  Inftant  March  at  One  OClock  in  the  afternoon  at 
this  place  the  meeting  is  adjorned  accordingly     .     .     . 

March  IGt*'  1781  The  Town  mett  according  to  adjorn- 
ment 

32'7  Voted  to  adjorn  this  meeting  to  muiulay  the  26^'' 
of  this  Inftent  march  at  One  OClock  in  the  afternoon  at 
this  place  this  meeting  adjorn'^  accordingly     .     .     . 

March  26*.^  17S1  The  Town  mett  according  to  adjorn- 
ment 

33'7  Voted  to  reconsider  that  i)art  of  the  27V''  vote 
(viz)  that  the  Aflefsors  &  millitia  officers  do  not  clafs  the 
Inhaljitents  according  to  the  Courts  Refolves     .     .     . 


228  The  Old  Records  of  the 

34'7  Voted  that  the  Affefsors  proceed  Emediately  to 
Clafs  the  Inhabitants  in  order  to  procure  the  remainder  of 
the  Continential  Soldiers  requir'.'  of  this  Town,  which  is 
not  already  procured 

35'7  Voted  to  adjorn  this  meeting  to  moncku-  the  2".'' 
Day  of  April  at  one  OClock  in  the  afternoon  at  this  place 
the  meeting  adjorn^'  accordingly 

April  2".^  1781  The  Town  mett  according  to  adjorn- 
ment 

36\y  Voted  to  abate  John  Priest*:  Pole  Tax  in  James 
Patterfons  List  which  is £30-11-0   .    . 

371^  Voted  to  abate  Tho*:  Hills  Rate  in  James  Patter- 
fon?  List   which  is £3—6—6  .  .  . 

38'7  Voted  and  Chose  Cap!  Saml'  Burbank  Collector 
for  the  south  side  of  the  Town  in  the  Rome  of  Mr  Jo^ 
Walker  Difmifed  and  the  said  Burbank  is  to  be  allowed  the 
same  upon  the  hundred  for  collecting  as  Mr  Walker  was 
to  have  had  which  is  Twenty  six  shilling  the  old  Conti- 
nential Currency  or  other  money  to  the  value     .     .     . 

39'7  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difolved  and  this 
meeting  is  Difolved  accordingly 

David  Goodridge  Moderator 
Jofeph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

[30*i]     (Seal)     Worcefter  fs 

To  Mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  One  of  the  Constables  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting  — 

In  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Maffachufetts 
these  are  to  require  you  forthwith,  Verbally,  to  warn  the 
Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burg quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
affembl3"  &  meet  at  the  Meeting  House  in  s^  Town  on 
monday  the  twelv*?'  day  of  this  \\\i\  March  at  Nine 
OClock  in  the  forenoon  then  and  their  being  duly  met  & 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  (viz) 

1    To  chuse  a  Moderator 

2^!-^  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  make  an3''  con- 
sideration to  the  Constables  that  are  chosen  for  the  year 
enfuing  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  thev  shall  think 
proper    .... 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  229 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  due  return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  doings  thereon  to  sum  One  of  us  at  or  before 
said  Day.  Given  Under  our  hands  &  seal  this  Highth  Day 
of  March  A  D  1781  — 

Thadi   Maccarty  |  Selectmen 
A  fa  Perry  \        of 

Tho":   Hartwell      )  Fitchburg 

Worc'efter.    fs     Fitchburg  March  12^''  1781  — 

Agreeable  to  the  directions  of  this  warrant  I  have 
given  Publick  notice  to  the  Inhabitants  of  s'^  Town  to  at- 
tend at  time  and  Place  and  for  the  purpofes  within  men- 
tioned as  near  as  the  Sabbath  Day  would  admit  of 

Errors  Excepted    .    .     Phinehas  Hartwell  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Aflembled  March  12^^  1781  — 

I'.y    Voted  &  Chose  M""  Phinehas   Hartwell    Moderator 

2'7  Voted  to  Excuse  Mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju-:  &  M-" 
John  Carter  for  Serving  as  Collectors  the  3'ear  Enfuing 
they  paying  into  the  Town  Treafurer  ten  Dollers  each  the 
old  way 

[*-i()3]  3'y  Voted  to  Accept  Nine  hundred  Dollers  Each 
of  Mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju""  &  M""  John  Carter  for  the  ten 
Doller  Each  the  old  way  for  serving  as  to  collecting  the 
mone^'  which  shall  be  affesed  the  Enfuing  ^-ear 

4ly  Voted  that  AP  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju*:  &  Mr  John 
Carter  pay  the  above  sums  of  nine  hundred  Dollers  Each  to 
the  Collector  or  Collectors  which  shall  be  chofen  for  the 
purpose  of  collecting  the  money  which  shall  be  alfescd  the 
Enfuing  3^ear  — 

5'7    Voted  to  chuse  to  Collectors 

()'.>■  Voted  that  the  Collectors  which  shall  be  chofen 
shall  procure  bonsmen  if  required  by  the  Town     .     .     . 

7l>'  Voted  and  chose  M""  Jolej)!!  Walker  Collector  for 
the  South  side  of  the  Town  for  the  Ivnfuing  year  for  which 
the  Town  voted  to  give  him  twenty  six  shillings  upon  the 
hundred  pound  which  he  shall  collect  and  pay  when  ordered 

8'7  Voted  &  chose  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson  Collector  for 
the  North  side  the  Town  for  the  lilnfuing  year  for  which 
the  town  voted  to  give  him  twenty  five  shillings  upon  the 


230  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Hundred    ])Ound    which     he    shall    collect    and     pay    when 
ordered 

9'y     Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difolved  — 
The  meeting  Difolved  accordingly 

Phinehas  Hartwell   moderator 
Jofeph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs.  To  Mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  Jun^  O 
of  the  Constables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg    Greeting    .    . 

In  the  name  of  the  Common  Wealth  of  Maflachufetts 
you  are  hereby  required  forthwith  to  notify  in  due  course 
of  Law  agreeable  to  the  New  Conftitution  the  Freehold- 
ers &  other  Inhabitents  quallified  thereby  to  vote  for  the 
Officers  hereafter  mentioned  to  affemble  &  meet  at  the 
meeting  houfe  in  s''  Fitchburg  on  Monday  the  Second  Day 
of  April  next  at  Two  OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  and 
their  being  duly  met  and  formed  to  vote  — 

1'/    For  a  Governor 

2'7    For  a  Lievtenent  Governor  — 

31^    For  five  Counfellors  &  Senators  — 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  due  return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  doing  thereon  to  Some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
s^  Day  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seal  this  twenty  forth 
Day  of  March  A  D  1781 

Thad^   Maccarty  ]  Selectmen 
Daniel  Putnum     >         of 
Tho''  Hartwell      j  Fitchburg 

[304]     Worcefter:  fs:  Fitchburg  April  2".^  1781  — 

By  virtue  of  the  within  warrant.   I  have  warnd  all  the 

freeholders  and   other  Inhabitants  of  s^  Town   to  meet  at 

the  time  and  place  within  mentioned  — 

Phinehas  Sawyer  JunT  Constable 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  affembled  on  monday  the  2".''  Day  of  April  A  D 
1781  — 

1'7    Voted  &  chose  His   Excellency  John   Hancock       Votes 
EsqT  Governor  of  this  Commonwealth  —  thirty 
five  votes  35 


Tozv)i  of  Fitchbiirgh.  231 

2ly    Voted  and  chose  The   Honorable  Thol   Gush- 
ing Esqr  Liev^  Governor  twenty  six  votes  26 

3'7    Voted  and  Chose  the  Following  Gentlemen  as 
Counfellors  &  Senators     .     .     . 

Israel   Nichols   Esqr  26  votes      Sanil'  Baker   Esq":  26  votes 

Seth  Washbern  Esqr  26  votes    Sam'.'  Curtis  Esq":  26  votes 

W'7'  Denfmore  Esqr  26  votes 
The  meeting  Difolved 

Jol'eph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

Fitchburg  April  7^^  1781— Then  reC'  of  the  Selectmen 
of  the  Town  of  I-"itchl)urg  One  hundred  &  six  Bushels  of 
Indian  Corn  it  being  in  full  of  a  Note  given  to  my  son 
Stephen  for  serveing  as  a  Soldier  in  the  Continential  Arm}' 
agreable  to  the  Refolves  of  the  General  Court  which  Note 
is  lost  John  Thurston 

A  true  coppy  Attest  Jofeph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

[305]  (Seal)  Worcefter  fs :  To  M>:  Phinehas  Sawyer 
Junr  One  of  the  Constables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Greeting 

In  the  Name  of  the  Common  Wealth  of  Maflachufetts 
these  are  to  require  you  forthwith  to  notify  the  freehold- 
ers and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  aiTemble 
at  the  meeting  house  in  said  Fitchburg  on  Tusday  the 
Fifth  Day  of  June  next  at  One  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon 
then  and  there  being  duely  met  &  formed  to  act  on  the 
following  articles  (viz) 

1  To  chose  a  Moderator 

2  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  raise  any  sum  or 
sums  of  money  to  pay  such  depreciation  as  by  Law  is 
become  due  and  alfo  for  such  other  ])urposes  as  are  necef- 
sary  for  the  Towns  use  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they 
shall  think  proper 

3  To  see  Whether  the  Town  will  make  any  Confidcra- 
tion  to  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson,  for  an  Oliligation  which  he 
gave   to   Abraham    Willard    to   Serve   in   the   Army   or   act 

any  thing  there  on   as   they   shall   think   ])ropcr Hereof 

fail  not  and  make  due  return  of  this   warrant    with    vour 


232  The  Old  Records  of  the 

doings    thereon    to    sum    one    of  us  cit  or    before  s'J    Day 
Given  under  our  hands  and  Seal  this  twenty  first   Day  of 

May  A  D  1781 

Thad?  Maccarty 
Daniel  Putnum 
A  fa  Perry 
Oliver  Sticknev 


Selectmen 

of 
Fitchburg 


Worcefter  fs  June  5*^  1781  — 

by  virtue  of  this  warrant  I  have  Notified  all  the  free- 
holders &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  F'itchburg  to 
meet  at  the  time  and  place  within  mentioned     .     .     . 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Jun^  Conftable 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  afsembled  June  5*.^  1781  — 

V}    Voted  and  Chose  Cap*   Will?'  Thurlo  Moderator  — 

2'^.'^  Voted  not  to  raise  any  money  to  pay  up  any 
depreciation  at  this  meeting 

3'7  Voted  not  to  allow  Cap*  Gibson  an^-  allowance 
for  the  private  contract  between  s?  Gibson  &  Abraham 
Willard  as  to  a  Note  Cap*  Gibson  gave  to  Willard  for  fifty 
bushels  Rye.     The  meeting  Difsolved 

Will™  Thurlo  Moderator 

by  order  of  the  Selectmen 

Thomas  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[206]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs:  To  Phinehas  Sawyer 
JunY  One  of  the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Greeting 

In  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Maffachufetts 
you  are  hereby  ordered  forthwith  to  Notify  and  warn  the 
free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Fitchburg  to  Afsem- 
ble  at  the  meeting  house  in  s^  Town  on  munday  the  ninth 
of  this  Inftant  }v\y  at  five  OClock  in  the  Afternoon  to  act 
on  the  following  Articles  (viz) 

1^*    To  chuse  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  come  into  to  git 
the  Beef  that  is  Emediately  demanded  of  the  Town 

3  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  indemnify  the  Con- 
ftables in  taking  the  Old  Emiffion  of  monev     .     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  233 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  due  return  of  this  warrant 
to  sum  one  with  vou  doings  theiron  to  sum  one  of  us 
at  or  before  s*:*  time  given  under  our  hands  and  Seals 
this  ninth  Day  of  July  1781  — 

Daniel  Putnam  |  Selectmen 
Ala  Perry  of 

Oliver  Stickney  [  Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs    July  9^^  1781  — 

By  virtue  of  the  within  warrant  I  have  warned  all 
the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  according  to  the 
within  warrant 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Jun*^   Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  Aflembled  July  9^^  1781  — 

1^*^    Voted  and  Chose  Cap^   Will'"  Thurlo  Moderator 

2'7  Voted  that  the  Committe  which  was  chosen  by 
the  Town  to  purchase  the  beef,  Emediately  go  out  in 
order  to  purchase  the  beef  required  of  this  Town  b^-  the 
General  Court,  and  that  s^'  Committee  Engage  the  pay 
for  s*;'    beef  in  three  Months 

The  meeting  Difolved 

Will'"    Thurlo    Moderator 
Jofeph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

[*iOT]  (Seal)  Worcefter:  fs :  To  John  Carter  One  of 
the  Conftable  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting  .  .  . 
In  the  name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the  MalTachufetts 
you  are  hereby  ordered  In  due  corse  of  Law  to  Notify' 
and  warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  quallifyed  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  aflemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in 
s'.'  Town  on  Tusday  the  twenty  forth  Da}-  of  this  Inftant 
July  at  three  OClock  in  the  afternoon  then  and  their  being 
duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles 
(viz) 

1'7    To  chuse  a  moderator  to  Govern  s*.'  meeting     .    .    . 

2'.>'  To  see  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  procure 
the  Beef  that  they  arc  call'.'  upon  for  and  see  what  sum  or 


234  The  Old  Records  of  the 

sums  of  money  they  will  raife  to  pay  for  s'.'  Beef  and  what 

currency  they  will  raife  it  in 

vi'.y  To  sec  What  method  the  Town  will  take  to  pro- 
cure the  Clothing  they  are  called  upon  for,  or  act  any 
thing  upon  the  above  articles  as  they  shall  think  proper 
when  meet 

Hereof  P'ail  not  and  make  return  with  your  doings 
their  on  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  s*.'  Day  given  under 
our  hands  and  Seal  this  ninth  Day  of  July  A  D  1781     .     . 

Daniel  Putnam 
A  fa  Perry 
Oliver  Stickney 
Tho^   Hartwell 


Selectmen 

for 
Fitchburg 


Worcefter:  fs :  In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  to  meet  at  the  meeting  house  on 

the  Twenty  forth  Day  of  July  1781 

John  Carter  Conftable 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the   Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 

Fitchburg  Affembled  July  24t.h  1781 

I'y    Voted  &  chose  Cap^  Tho!   Cowdin  Moderator 
2'7    Voted   that   this   meeting  be  Difolved  the  meeting 
Difolved  accordinglj' 

Tom?  Cowdin  Moderator 
Jo?  :  Fox  Town  Clerk 

[208]     (Seal)     Worcefter:  fs:    Phinehas    Sawyer  Jun": 
One  of  the  Conftables  for  the  town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting 

In  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Mafsachufetts 
you  are  hereby  ordered  in  due  corse  of  Law  to  Notify  and 
warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  quallifyed  hy  law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings 
to  Affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  s*?  Town  on 
tusday  the  forth  Day  of  September  next  at  One  OClock  in 
the  afternoon  then  and  their  being  duly  meet  and  formed  to 
act  on  the  following  articles  (viz) 

l'>'    To  chose  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  235 

2'7  To  see  what  method  to  Town  will  come  into  for 
supplying  the  agent  with  Beef  or  act  any  thing  refering 
there  unto     .... 

3'.y  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  Sup- 
port the  Rev^   M^  Payson  this  prefent  year     .     .     . 

4'.y  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  sup- 
port the  Poor 

5'.y  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  pro- 
vid  schools  or  an}'  thing  refering  their  unto  as  they  shall 
think  Propper     .... 

6ly  To  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  money  the  Town 
will  raise  to  defray  town  charges  or  act  any  thing  their- 
on  as  they  shall  think  proper 

?'.>'  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  pay 
such  Debts  as  the  Continential  money  will  not  discharge. 
or  act  any  thing  refering  their  unto  as  they  shall  think 
propper     .... 

8'.>'  To  see  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  pro- 
cure the  Clothmg  Demanded  of  s''  Town  for  the  Army   .    . 

9'.^'  To  see  if  the  Town  will  allow  such  accounts  as 
shill  be  laid  before  them  for  services  Done  for  s'.^  Town    .    . 

!()'.>■  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  sup- 
ply The  Rev'.'  M":  Payson  with  Wood  for  the  year  Enfu- 
ing     .     .     .     . 

Hereof  fail  not  to  make  return  of  your  doings  theiron 
to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  s^  Day  given  under  Our 
hands  and  Seal  this  Sixteenth  Day  of  August.  17S1     .    .    . 

Afa  Perry  |  Selectmen 

Oliver  Stickney        J         for 
Thomas  Hartwell  j  Fitchburg 

Worceftcr:  fs.     August  Sl'^t  1781  — 

by  virtue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  free- 
holders &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  to 
affemble  and  meet  at  the  time  and  place  within  mentioned 
Phinehas  Sawyer  JunT   Conftable. 

[201)]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitant  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  aflembled  Sep^  A^^  1781     .     .     . 

V>'  Voted  and  chose  Deacon  David  Goodridge  Moder- 
ator     


236  The  Old  Records  of  the 

2ly  Voted  that  their  be  a  Committee  chofen  to  let  out 
by  vendue  to  the  lowest  bidder  in  Small  Quantity'?  if  it 
will  best  sute,  The  Beef  required  of  this  Town  to  supply 
the  Army 

3*7    Voted  that  the  committee  confist  of  three  men     .     . 

41^  Voted  and  chose  Cap^  Jonathan  Wood  Cap^  Will™ 
Thurlo  and  M"!  Kendal  Boutell  to  be  the  Committee  for 
the  above  purpose 

5'7  Voted  to  raise  one  hundred  pounds  in  hard  money 
to  pay  the  Reverend  W\  Pay  son  his  Salery  this  prefent 
year  to  be  in  hard  money  or  in  produce  at  the  following 
price?  (viz)  Wheat  at  9/  pT  bushel.  Rye  at  6/  \>\  bushel 
Indian  corn  at  4/  pV  bushel,  Labour  in  the  Summer  Seafon 
at  at  4/  pr  Day  Flax  at  1/  p^  pound  Pork  at  5^  pV  pound 
Sheeps  woll  at  2/ pT  pound.  Beef  at  3V2''  p*"  pound,  and 
all  other  produce  in  propotion £100 

61-'''  Voted  to  raise  Sixty  pounds  hard  Money  to  hire 
school   Mafter,  Mafters  or  Miftrefses £60 

T'.y  Voted  and  Chose  Mr  Afa  Perry  Cap^  W™  Thurlo 
M*:  EphT  Kimball  Jun':  M''  John  Carter  M":  SamV  Harrifs 
&  Mr  Joseph  Holt  to  be  the  schools  Committee  to  provide 
school  or  schools  as  the3'  shall  think  proper    .     .     . 

81^  Voted  that  the  School  mone}'  be  laid  out  as  ordered 
by  the  Town  the  Last  year 

91^  Voted  to  chuse  a  committee  to  Examine  the  Ac- 
counts, Notes,  orders,  &c  which  the  Town  is  now  Indebted 
and  see  what  hard  money  must  be  rais*?  to  Discharge  those 
Debts  agreable  to  the  Scale 

101^  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  &  Town  Treafurer  be 
the  Committee  for  the  above  purpose  and  make  report  to 
the  Town 

111^  Voted  to  raise  One  hundred  &  fift\'  pounds  to 
pay  neffefsary  charges £150  0  0 

12'.-^  Voted  to  raise  thirty  six  pounds  to  pay  for  Beef 
already   purchased £36  0  0 

131^  Voted  to  raise  Twenty'  pounds  to  provide  Cloth- 
ing for  the  Armj^  which  the  town  is  called  upon  for   .20 

14ly  Voted  Voted  to  pay  Mt  Afeph  Goodridge  Seven 
pounds  thirteen  Shillings  for  finding  and  Delivering  at  Mr 
Paj'sons  house  Thirt\^   Cord   of  good  Wood  corded  up  at 


Toxun  of  Fitchbjirgh.  237 

his  house  the  Said  goodride  to  beg^in  to  git  the  Wood  the 
first  of  Dcembr  next £7  13- 

15'7  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  the 
Twenty  fifth  Day  of  this  Inftant  Sep*  at  one  OClock  after- 
noon at  this  place 

[210]  Sep^  25"^?'  1781.  The  Town  meet  according  to 
the  adjornment  and  proceeded  to  bilinefs 

161^  Voted  to  raise  Forty  poimds  ten  shillings  in  order 
to  pay  for  the  remainder  of  the  Last  Goto  of  Beef  which 
the  Town  is  called  u])on  for  which  is  2254     .     .     £4-0  10  - 

17'7  Voted  to  j)afs  over  the  Seventh  article  in  the 
warrant  for  the  prefent 

18'>'  Voted  to  allow  Doc*^  Thadeus  W.  Carty  for  thirty 
Days  service  as  an  aflelsor £4  0  — 

19'7  Voted  to  allow  W.  Ei^h-:  Kimball  Jun':;' ac*  which 
is 8  S  - 

20'7  Voted  to  allow  \\\  Afa  Perry  his  ac*  which  is  1  4  0 

21'7  Voted  to  allow  Cap^  Jonathan  Wood  for  service 
done   the   Town 216  — 

22ly    Voted  to  allow  Mr  Tho^  Kimbool  for  pV  Shoes    .    . 

0  8- 

23ly     Voted  to  allow  M-;  Afa  Perry^  a^  which  is     119- 

24'/    Voted  to  allow  Deacon  Thurstin':  ac'.  which  is   .    . 

0  9- 

25^7    Voted  to  allow  Cap*  Tho^  Hartwell'!  ac*  which  is 

2  14- 
26'>-     Voted  to  allow  M-:  Elijah  Carter^  ac*  which  is    .    . 

3  19  8 
27'7  Voted  to  allow  M":  Daniel  PntnanT:  ac*  ..-60 
281-^     Voted  to  allow  M'   David  Parce":  ac*  which  is    .    . 

0  16  - 

29'.y  Voted  to  allow  Ca])*  Tho^  Hartwclh  ac*  which 
is 0  8  0 

30'.>-  Voted  to  allow  Cap*  Sam"  IUir])anlo  a^  which 
is 10  7 

31'.^'  Voted  to  allow  Iosci)h  Fox  for  serving  as  Town 
Treafurer   for   the  the   year    1780 4  10  0 

32'.y  Voted  to  allow  Caj)^  Thurlo  for  service  done  the 
Town  as  Selectman  and  .Xird'sor  for  the  vcar  1  7SO    .    1'   1(»  S 


238  The  Old  Records  of  the 

as'/  Voted  to  allow  xMr  Elijah  Garfield  for  service  as 
a  Committee  man  going  to  Boston  to  hire  hard  money 
for  the  Towns  use 0  17  4 

34'7  Voted  to  allow  Mr  W'."  Brown  for  service  as  a 
committee  man,  going  to  Boston  to  hire  hard  money  for 
the  Towns  use 0  17  4 

35'y  Voted  to  allow  Cap^  Tho^  Cowdin  for  serving  as 
Town  Treafurer  five  months  in  the  year  1778  and  the  whole 
of  the  year  1779  and  as  a  Committee  man  to  hire  Soldiers 
for  the  army 612  — 

36'>'  Voted  to  allow  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson^  ac^  which 
is 0  12  0 

37ly  Voted  to  allow  Joseph  Fox  for  Serving  Seven 
months  as  Treafurer  in  the  year  1778 2  10  — 

['^11]  38ly  Voted  to  allow  M":  Sam"  Davis  his  ac* 
for  Opening  and  Sweeping  the  meeting  house  Eighteen 
months  to  this  prefent  time £14  0 

39'7  Voted  to  Raise  One  hundred  and  twent3'  nine 
pounds  to  Defra}^  town  Charges 129  0  0 

40ly    Voted  that  this  be  Defolved 

David  Goodridge  Moderator 
Joseph  Fox  Town  Clerk 

Fitchburg  December  25*?'  1781  — 

This  may  certify  whome  it  may  concern  that  the  fol- 
lowing persons  is  Licenced  by  us  the  Subfcribers  to  Sell 
Tea  agreeable  to  the  act  of  the  General  Court  Pased  NovT 
\^}  1781  — (viz)  John  Solley  Esq'"  W?'  Hichborn  Esq":  & 
Joseph  Fox 

Daniel  Putnum  |  Selectmen 
Oliver  Stickney  J         of 
Tho'?  Hartwell  j  Fitchburg 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  :  To  Phinehas  Saw3'er  Jun":  one  of 
the  Conftables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg,  Greeting:  In 
the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Alaffachufetts  you  are 
hereby  ordered  in  due  corse  of  Law  to  notify  and  warn 
all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Quallifyed  b\'  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings 
to  aflemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  s'^  Town  on 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  239 

munday  the  Thirt\'  first  Day  of  this  inftant  December  at 
twelve  OClock  on  s^'  Day  then  and  their  being  Duly  meet 
and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  (viz) 

1'7    To  chose  a  Moderator  to   Govern  s'.'   meeting    .     . 

'2>>'  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  pro- 
cure the  beef  that  should  have  ben  provided  last  year  that 
is  now  Demanded     .... 

3'.y  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  take  in  fur- 
ther, inftructing  the  old  Conft£d)les  and  if  the  Town  will 
give  them  any  orders  how  to  Collect  the  Taxes  that  are 
behind  in  the  Delinquant  Conftables  hands  that  was 
raised  in  Continential  money  or  act  any  thing  refering 
thereto  as  they  shall  think  proper  when  meet     .... 

Hereof  fail  not  to  make  return  of  your  doings  thereon 
to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  s'?  Day  given  under  Our 
hands  and  Seal  this  Seventeenth  Da}^  of  December  A  D 
1781 

Daniel  Putnum  |  , ,  ,     , 
Afa  Perrv  |  ^^^^^men 

Oliver  Sticknev  [  .-.if 
Tho^  Hart  well  J  ^'tchburg 

Worcefter  fs.     Dcemb':  28*'^  1781  — 

By  virtue  of  this  warrent  I  have  notifyed  &  warnd 
the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burg  to  meet  at  the  time  and  ])lace  with  in  mentioned    .    . 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju":   Conftable 

[212]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  alTembled  December  29^!'  1781  — 

I'.y     Voted   and    Chose   Cap*^  Reuben  Giljfon    Moderc'itor 

2ly  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  ])rocurc  the  beef  that  is 
behind  when  it  is  Demanded 

3'.>-  Voted  that  M'.  Phinehas  Hart  well  and  M'  Daniel 
Farwell  Conftables  for  the  year  1780  shall  collect  what  is 
delinquent  in  their  hands  at  the  rate  of  one  Silver  Doller 
for  Seventy  five  Dollers,  as  it  stands  set  Down  in  their 
Lists 

4'.>'  Voted  that  the  other  Delinquent  Conftables  shall 
Colect  what  what  is  in  their   hands   uncollected    according 


240  The  Old  Records  of  the 

to  the  Scale  of  Depreciation    when  s'.'   money   was  ordered 

to  be  paid  into  the  Treafurcr 

5'7     Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difolved 
Reuben  (jibfon  Moderator 
Daniel  Putnum  Clerk  protemporary 

A  true  coppy  from  the  minutes  attest 

Jofeph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter:  fs  To  John  Carter  One  of  the  Con- 
ftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Greeting  —  By  a  request 
to  us  for  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  s''  Town  we  in 
the  Name  of  this  Commonwealth  do  require  3^ou  forthwith 
in  due  Corse  of  Law  to  notify  and  warn  all  the  freeholders 
and  other  Inhabitants  of  s*?  Town  Ouallifyed  by  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  meetings  to  affemble  and  meet  at  the  meet- 
ing house  in  s''  Town  on  Friday  the  Eight  Day  of  Febru- 
ary next  at  twelve  OClock  on  s^  Day  then  and  their  being 
duly  meet  and   form"?  to  act  on  the  following  articles  (viz 

1'7    To  chuse  a  moderator  to  govern  s'^  meeting 

2'7  To  see  how  much  value  the  old  paper  Currency 
stood  at  for  purchasing  articles  or  paying  demands  for 
which  it  was  affesed  for  in  each  Rate  at  the  time  they 
become  payable  and  at  what  number  of  Dollers  the}'  pur- 
chased the  articles  they  ware  defigned  for  which  3'et 
remains  in  the  hands  of  Phinehas  Hartwell  &  Daniel  Far- 
well  Conftables  that  is  not  collected  for  the  better  under- 
ftanding  of  the  Inhabitants  of  s^'  Town  or  act  any  thing 
thereon  as  the}-  shall  think  proper  — 

3'7  To  see  what  value  the  Silver  money  is  at  now  in 
purchasing  the  same  articles  &  paying  the  Towns  Debts 
that  a  Just  estimation  be  made  between  the  Silver  and 
the  old  paper  Currency  in  propotion  to  its  value  in  pur- 
chasing the  same  articles  or  paying  Just  demands  that 
the  creditor  may  receive  his  Just  reward  &  the  Debter  be 
not  injered  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  the\'  shall  think 
proper  when  meet  — 

[213]  4'7  To  see  what  ma}-  be  done  with  regard  to 
the  old  paper  Currency  that  Each  person  paid  into  the 
Conftables  after  the  value  was   Dead  as  to  purchasing  the 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  241 

articles  &  paying  the  Debts  aflesed  for,  that  is  now  stored 
in  the  Treafurers  hands  to  the  Damage  of  said  Town  or 
act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

S*"^  To  see  if  the  Town  will  take  into  confideration 
their  paper  money  Debts  and  the  Notes  given  for  Corn  and 
Settle  them  in  Silver  monc}'  or  give  Security  for  them  that 
a  Settlement  may  be  made  that  the  Town  may  know 
what  Standing  they  are  upon     .     .     . 

6'7  To  see  what  the  Town  will  allow  to  Phinehas 
Hartwell  and  Daniel  Farwell  Conftables,  for  their  Service 
for  collecting  the  Taxes  in  their  hands  or  act  any  thing 
theiron  as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

7'7  To  see  how  the  Town  will  Settle  with  the  Soldiers 
that  was  hire'.'  to  go  into  the  Service  for  three  months  the 
Last  campain  and  have  notes  for  the  Same  &  did  not 
march 

8'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  make  any  confideration 
for  a  Note  that  Cap*  Gibfon  gave  to  Abraham  Willard  for 
going  into  the  Continential  Service  for  six  months  or  act 
any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

9'7  To  see  if  the  Town  will  abate  any  person  or  per- 
sons Rates  that  is  in  an3'  of  the  Conftables  hands  or  any 
part  of  their  rates  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  thc}^  shall 
think  proper     .... 

Hereof  Fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  doings  theron  to  sum  one  of  us  at  or  before  said  Day 
given  under  Our  hands  and  Seal  this  Twent\'  fifth  Day  of 
Januery  1782  — 

Daniel  Putnum 
A  fa  Perry 
Oliver  Stickney 
Thomas  Hartwell 


Selectmen 

of 
Fitchburg 


Worcefter  fs    Febry  y-  S^'^  1782 

By  virtue  of  and  agreeable  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  Notifyed  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  Qual- 
lifyed  R}-^  Law  to  vote,  to  aflemble  at  time  and  place  and 
for  the  purpofes  within  Mentioned 

John  Carter  Conltablc 

l6 


242  The  Old  Records  of  the 

At  a  Legal  mectin<?  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchl)iirg  Affcml)lc(l  I-ebruary  8^'^  17^2 

liy    Voted  and  chose  Mr  Kendal  Boutell  Moderator 

2'y  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  &  Town  Treafurer  be  a 
committe  to  take  under  confideration  the  fifth  article  in 
the  warrant  and  make  report  at  sum  futer   meeting    .    .    . 

3'>'  Voted  to  chuse  a  committee  to  see  how  they  can 
settle  with  the  three  months  men  that  was  hire^'  to  go  to 
west  point  and  did  not  march 

41-^'  Voted  &  chose  Cap^  Tho^  Cowdin  Mr  Elijah  Gar- 
field &  Mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  JuV  to  be  the  committee  for 
the  above  purpose 

S'y  Voted  to  abate  Afa  Rufsells  Rates  in  Jonathan 
Holts  List  it  being  Twenty  shillings 

['/il4]  G'y  Voted  to  abate  Adam  Colwells  Rates  in 
Jonath  Holts  List  it  being  Twenty  One  shillings  two  pence 
three  farthings 

7'7  Voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjorned  to  munday 
the  Eighteenth  of  this  Inftant  Febry  at  One  OClock  in  the 
afternoon  at  this  place 

February  18*.^  1782  The  Town  meet  according  to  ad- 
jorment 

S'.y    Voted  to  Difmifs  MT  Kendal  Boutell  as  moderator 

9'y  Voted  and  Chose  Mr  Daniel  Putnum  Moderator  in 
the  rome  of  M*"  Kendal  Boutell  difmis^ 

lO'y  Voted  to  Chuse  a  Committee  to  take  under  con- 
fideration the  Second  article  in  the  warrant 

ll'y  Voted  &  Chose  Air  Phinehas  Hartwell  Capt  Tho« 
Cowdin  &  M''  David  M?  Intire  to  be  the  committe  for  the 
above  purpose 

12'y  Voted  that  the  above  Conunittee  take  under  con- 
fideration the  3*'5^  &  4*?^  articles  in  the  warrant  together 
with  the  Second  article  and  make  their  report  at  the  next 
March  meeting 

13'y  Voted  that  the  above  committee  take  under  con- 
fideration the  5*?*  article  in  the  warrant  and  the  Towns 
paper  money  Debts  &  Corn  Notes  and  take  up  the  Towns 
notes  and  Settle  them  at  as  cheap  a  Rate  as  they  can  and 
give  their  Security  for  it  in  the  Towns  behalf  and  that  the 
committe  make  report  of  their  doings  the  next  march  meet- 
ing 


Toivti  of  Fitchbiirgh.  243 

14'>'  Voted  that  W  Thinchas  Hartwell  and  Ml  Daniel 
Farwell  Conftables  for  the  year  1780  pay  into  the  Town 
Treafurer  Twelve  Dollers  Ivach  and  that  the  above  Con- 
ftables shall  be  paid  Twenty  live  shillings  upon  the  hundred 
pounds  for  that  they  shall  collect,  what  is  already  col- 
lected in  paper  money  is  to  be  reckned  in  paper  money  but 
they  to  be  paid  according  to  the  Scale 

15'y  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  S*^'*  article  in  the  warrant 
16'y  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  9^^  article  in  the  warrant 
17'y    Voted  that  this  meeting  be  Difolved 

Daniel  Putnum   Moderator 
Jofeph  Fox   Town  Clerk 

['^15]  (Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Sawyer 
Jur  one  of  the  Cunstables  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Greeting 

These  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Common  welth  of  Mafla- 
chufets  to  will  &  require  you  forthwith  to  notif)-  &  warn 
the  frcholders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burgh  quallified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
affemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  s''  I-'itchburgh  on 
monday  the  forth  Day  of  march  next  at  Nine  O  Clock  in 
the  fore  noon  then  &  their  being  duely  met  and  formd  to 
act  on  the  following  artcles  (viz)     .     .     . 

I'y    To  chose   a  moderator   to   Govern  s''  meeting     .     . 

2'>'  To  Chose  Select  men  &  other  Town  officers  for 
the  year  enl'uing  as  the  Law  directs     .     .     . 

3'y  To  axcept  ane^^  roads  or  high  ways  that  have 
ben  laid  out  by  the  Select  men  or  their  order    .     .     . 

4'y  To  See  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  mone^-  the  Town 
will  raise  to  kec])  the  high  ways  in  repare  and  see  in 
what  method  it  shall  l)c  workd  out   the   year   inluing     .     . 

5'-^'  To  Sec  who  will  take  mrs  Hart  and  Suport  her 
the  year  enfuing  and  for  what  Sum  of  money     .     . 

G'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  abate  aney  prions  Rates 
on  aney   List  Commited  to  aney  Conftable  or  aney  part 

7'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  vote  the  Swine  to  go  at 
large  the  Enfuing  year  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 

8'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  fence  the  buring  yard  or 
agree  with  aney  person  to  do  it  or  act  aney  thing  as 
they  shall  think  proper     .... 


244  The  Old  Records  of  the 

9'y  To  Sec  if  the  Town  will  allow  aney  a  Counts 
Shall  be  laid  before  them  for  Services  done  s''  Town  .  .  . 
lO'y  To  See  what  the  Town  will  do  with  the  axes 
shovels  &  Pick  axes  that  was  purchased  by  the  town 
and  was  Stord  with  Cap^  Cowdin  or  act  anc}'  thing 
thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper    .... 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  due  return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  doings  thereon  to  Som  one  of  us  at  or  before 
s''  Day  Given  under  our  hands  &  Scale  this  fiftenth  of 
Februry  A  D  1782 

Daniel  Putnam 
Afa  Perry 
Oliver  Stickne 
Tho^  Hartwell 


Select  men 

of 
Fitchburgh 


[21G]    Worcefter  fs  March  the  4  1782 

by  virtue  of  This  warrant  I  have  warnd  all  the  free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
qualifid  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  affemble  & 
meet  at  the  time  &  place  with  in  mentned 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju*"  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburgh  affembled  march  the  4  1782 

I'y    Voted  and  chofe  Decon  Goodridge  moderator 

2'y  Voted  to  Chose  three  Select  men  for  the  j'ear  En- 
fuing 

3^y  Voted  &  Chose  Capt  Thos  Cowdin  mr  oliver 
Stickne  &  mr  Ephraim  Kimball Select  men 

4^y  Voted  and  mr  oliver  Stickne  mr  Ephraim  Kimball 
&  mr  John  Thurfton Affefsors 

Sly    Voted  &  Chose  Cap*  Thos  Cowdin    .    Town  Clerk 

6iy    Voted  &  Chose  Cap^  Tho«  Cowdin   Town  Treasurer 

ry  Voted  &  Chose  Jofeph  Fox  Cunftable  for  the  South 
Side  of  the  Town Cunstable 

S'y  Voted  &  Chofe  mr  Jacob  Upton  Cunftable  for  the 
North  Side Cunstable 

Qiy  Voted  to  Chuse  two  Collicters  to  Collect  the 
money  that  Shall  be  Affesed  the  Enfuing  3'ear  The  Con- 
ftables  that  is  chofe   (viz)  Jofeph  fox  &  mr  Jacob  Upton 


Toivn  of  Fttchburgh.  245 

they  paying  into  the  Treafurer  ten  Dolars  Each  the  old 
way  Shall  Excuse  them  for  Serving  as  Collectors 

lO'y  Voted  that  the  Collectors  that  Shall  be  Chofen 
shall  Give  bonds  to  the  Town  if  Requird  for  the  Sums 
Delivrd  them  to  Collect 

ll'y  Voted  &  Chofe  Cap*  Samuel  Burbank  .  .  Col- 
lector South  Side 

and  that  he  Shall  have  Twenty  Eight  Shilings  upon 
Evry  hundred  pound  he  Shall  Collect   .    Collector  north  Side 

12'>'  Voted  &  chose  mr  Jofeph  Phelps  Collector  north 
Side  and  he  Shall  have  Twenty  Eight  Shilings  [^JIT]  upon 
Evrey  hundred  pound  he  Shall  Collect 

13'>'  Voted  &  chofe  mr  James  Walker  &  mr  Afa 
Perry Tythingmen 

14'y  Voted  and  chofe  Cap*  Jonathan  Wood  mr  Heze- 
kiah  Hodgkins  Lieu*^  Kindall  Boutall  mr  amos  ordwa}-  mr 
Jacob  Gibson  mr  aaron  Eaton  mr  John  Carter  mr  Jofeph 
Policy  &  Cap*  Thos  Cowdin  to  be  Survaers  of  high 
Wa3'es Suvaers   of  high   Ways 

15'y  Voted  &  chofe  mr  David  Whitemore  mr  Heze- 
kiah  Hodgkins  mr  Jonathan  Wares  &  mr  William  Beene 
hog  reves hog  reves 

16^y  Voted  &  Chofe  mr  Jofhua  Parce  &  mr  Jofeph 
Gray fier  Wards 

17'y  Voted  and  chofe  mr  James  Walker  .  .  Surver 
of  Clabords  &  Shingles 

18'y  Voted  &  Chofe  Cap*  Jonathan  Wood  Survaer  of 
hups  &  Staves hups  &  Staves 

19'y  Voted  &  chofe  mr  oliver  Brown  .  .  Seler  of 
Lether 

20'y  Voted  &  chofe  mr  David  Parce  .  .  .  Seler  of 
waits  &  mefhers 

21'y  Voted  to  Raise  one  hundred  Pounds  reparc  the 
high  Ways  &  Bridges  in  this  Town  for  the  year  Ivnfuing 

22'y  Voted  to  alow  the  ]:)erfons  for  their  work  Each 
Day  upon  the  high  ways  their  Cattle  &  other  utentials 
the  Same  prifc  as  was  alowd  them  in  the  year  1774     .     .     . 

23'y  Voted  that  the  Survaers  See  that  their  Rates  be 
workt  out  by  the  Last  of  Scptcnibr  next 


246  The  Old  Records  of  the 

24'y  Voted  that  the  Surveyors  of  high  Ways  return 
their  Lifts  of  Tax  to  the  affefsors  by  the  Lai't  of  Septer 
next  and  thofe  perfons  that  then  hath  not  payd  their 
Kates  Shall  be  aded  to  their  next  Town   Tax 

2v5'>'  Voted  to  abate  John  muges  Rates  in  mr  James 
Paterfons  Lift  it  being  two  pounds  Sixteen  Shilings  and 
Seven  pence £2  16-7 

26'y  Voted  to  abate  mr  Ephraim  Kimball  pole  tax  in 
mr  James   Paterfons  List  it  beng 31-2-0 

27'y  Voted  to  Give  mr  Thos  Stearns  Twelve  pounds 
to  Suport  Mrs  Hart  one  whole  year  and  so  in  proportion 
if  She  should  not  Live  the  year  out 12  0-0 

[*^18]  28'-^  Voted  to  adjorn  this  meeting  to  the 
twentyeth  Day  of  this  Inftant  march  at  one  O  Clock  in  the 
after  noon  at  this  place 

Jofeph  fox  Town  Clerk 

March  the  20  1782  the  Town  meet  acording  to  the 
adjornment  and  prceded  to  bifnes 

29'y  Voted  to  abate  Samuel  Harrifes  Rates  in  mr 
Phinehas  Sawyers   Lift   10/3 00  10  3 

30'y  Voted  to  abate  one  third  of  Cap*^  Thos  Hutchisons 
tax  on  his  Real  Eftate  in  Daniel  farwells  List  and  the 
paper  tax  in  Cap*  Samuel  Burbank  Lift 

31iy  Voted  Let  the  Swine  Go  at  Large  under  the 
Regolation  of  the  Law 

32'y    Voted  to  fence  the  Burying  yard 

33'y  Voted  to  Chuese  a  Committe  for  the  above  pur- 
pose 

34iy  Voted  and  Chofe  m""  Afa  Perrey  &  John  Good- 
ridge  Afeph  Goodridge  to  be  a  Committe  to  fence  the 
Burying  yard  with  a  Good  Stone  Wall  and  Git  the  Wall 
Bult  as  Cheap  as  they  Can 

35'y  Voted  to  alow  mr  Jofeph  Walker  his  a  Count 
which  is £1-0-0  paid 

36'y  Voted  to  alow  oliver  Stickne  his  a  Count  which 
is x5  16-0  paid 

37'^'  Voted  to  alow  Daniel  Putnam  his  a  Count 
which  is x6-4-0  paid 

38'^'  Voted  to  alow  Afa  Perre^^  his  a  Count  which 
is x5-4-0  paid 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  247 

39'y  Voted  to  alow  Thos  Hartwell  his  a  Count  which 
is x5  IG  0  jjaid 

40'-^'  Voted  to  alow  Jol'eph  I-"'ox  his  a  Count  which 
is x9  3  5  paid 

41'>'  Voted  and  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  to  Sell  the  Towns 
Shovels  and  axes  &  jjick  axes  at  a  vandue  to  the  highest 
Bidder 

42'-^'  Voted  and  axcepted  mr  Phinehas  Saw^'er  Ju^  to 
Serve  as  Cunftable  in  mr  Jofeph  Foxes  Rume  mr  fox  pay- 
ing twelve  Silver  Dolars  to  the  Town  Treafurer 

[!;ill)]  43'>'  Voted  to  abate  Abner  Livermors  Rates 
in  James  Paterfons  List  which  is  in  paper  money  .£17  9  0 

44'y  Voted  to  abate  forty  one  pounds  of  Jonas  Kin- 
dalls  tax  in  mr  Daniel  farwclls  Lift  paper  money    .    £41-0-0 

This  Town  meeting  Disolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 


Fitchburgh  Febuery  the  25  1782 

Laid  a  Road  Begining  at  Thos  Thurftons  Land  runing 
Southerdl}^  Eighty  one  rods  on  John  Thurftons  Land  on 
William  Hafkell  I'2ast  Line  til  it  Coms  to  Phnehas  Hart- 
wells  Land  so  Runing  on  s''  Hartwells  til  it  Comes  to  a 
Certain  Red  oak  tree  mark  on  the  Wefterdly  Side  then 
Turns  South  West  on  s'^  Hartwells  Land  thirteen  Rods  to 
a  Town  Road 

The  Town   Voted  to  accept  the  above   Describd   Road 

So  far  as  the  Red  oak  if  Given 

Daniel  Putnam  )  o  i     i 

^r         C4-  1  Seleck  men 

Oliver  Stick ne  I  ,. 

Thos  Hartwell  f  ^^.^  ,  '' 

Tu^     /A        T      'p  ^1     ,        ritcnl)urir 

inos  Cowdin     1  own  Clerk 


Fitchburgh  may  the  9  17S3  David  maccentier  herby 
notfys  the  Select  men  of  the  Town  of  I'itchburgh  that  he 
hath  taken  into  his  house  Capt  Samuel  Bradford  and 
marey  his  wife  and  two  Children  namely  Debbe  6c  fancy 
who  Came  from  hampfhier  State  Which  we  the  Selectmen 
of  s''  Town  Refuse  to  admit  as  Inhabitcnts  of  s''  Town 


248  The  Old  Records  of  the 

the  laid  Cap^  Bradford  Came  in  to  town  the  28  Day 
of  march  1783 

Oliver  Sticknej        |       Select 
Tho^  Steans  \    meen  for 

John  Thursten  Ju""  J  Fitchburgh 
A  True  Coppey  Tho''  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[330]  (Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Sawyer 
Ju':    Cunftable  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Common  welth  of  the 
mafsachufets  Bay  to  will  &  requier  you  forth  with  to 
notify  &  warn  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitents  of 
the  Town  of  Fitchburg  qualified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  affemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  s*^ 
Town  of  F'itchburgh  on  Wenfday  the  20  Day  of  this 
Inftant  march  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon  then  and 
their  being  Duely  meet  and  form'd  to  act  on  the  following 
artcles  that  is 

I'y    to  Chose  a  moderator  to  Govern  s'^  meeting    .     .     . 

2'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  Refpect- 
ing  the  old  paper  money  that  remains  un  Collected  and 
See  whether  the  Town  will  axcept  of  the  Report  of  their 
Committee  Chofe  to  Estimate  the  value  of  the  old  paper 
money  or  vote  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

3'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  Raise 
Soldiers  for  the  futter  or  vote  aney  thing  Refering  there  to 
as  they  shall  think  proper 

4'y  to  Take  under  their  Confideration  Cap*  Ruben 
Gibsons  Request  Conferning  his  note  Given  to  mr  Abraham 
Willard  for  fifty  Bufhels  of  Ry  or  vote  aney  thing  Refering 
there  to  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

5'y  to  See  whether  the  Town  will  Chuse  a  Committe 
to  Settle  with  the  Late  Town  Treafurer  mr  Jofeph  fox     .     . 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
Som  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  time  above  mentned  Given 
under  our  hands  &  Scale  this  Sixth  Day  of  march  A  D 
1782 

^,        r>       J-  \  Select  men 

Thos  Cowdm  \         r 

Ephraim  Kimball  J  p.^^^^^^^j^ 


Town  of  Ftichburgk.  249 

Worcefter  fs  — 20*^  March  1782 

By  Virtue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warn'd  all  the  Free- 
holders and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
to  meet  at  the  time  &  Place  within  mentioned 

Phin.  Sawyer  Jun*"  Conftable 
Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


[231]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Fitchburgh  afsembl'd  march  20*J^   1782 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

l^t'y    Voted  and  chofe  M";  Daniel  Putnam  Moderator 

2diy  Voted  not  to  accept  the  report  of  the  Committee 
chofen  by  the  town  to  Estimate  the  Value  of  the  old 
Paper  mone^^ 

S^iy  Voted  to  Clafs  to  raife  the  4-  men  now  demanded 
for  three  years 

4,thiy  Voted  to  adjourn  the  4*.^  Article  'till  the  firft 
Day  of  April  refpecting  Cap^   Reuben  Gibfon's  request     .     . 

5thiy  Voted  to  chuse  a  Committe  to  settle  with  AK 
Fox  late  town  treafurer 

ethiy  Voted  and  chofe  M":  Phineas  Hartwell,  M-:  Daniel 
Putnam  &  m*;  Phineas  Sawyer  Jun^  as  a  Committee  to 
settle  with  the  Town  Treafurer 

7'y  Voted  to  adjourn  this  town  meeting  to  the  first 
monday  of  April  next  at  three  O'Clock  in  the  afternoon  at 
the  meeting  houfe  in  s'.'  Town 

pr  Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

April  first.  1782  the  town  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment and  the  meeting  open'd  and  proceeded  to  the  bufinefs 
of  the  Town 

gthiy  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  fourth  Article  refpecting 
Capt  Gibson's  request,  and  to  have  that  article  inferted  in 
the  next  warrant  for  a  Town  meeting 

9thiy  Voted  and  accepted  of  the  Town's  accounts  as 
they  stand  settled  by  the  Towns  Committee,  as  they  ap- 
pear on  the  Towns  Treafurcr's  Book 

This  meeting  difolv'd    .    .   Daniel  Putman  Moderator 

Thos.  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 


250  The  Old  Records  of  the 

(Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  Jul  one 
of  the  Cunstables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh    Greeting 

In  the  name  of  the  Common  welth  of  the  mafsachu- 
fets  you  are  herby  Require!  to  notify  in  Due  Corfe  of  Law 
agreable  to  the  Conftitution  the  free  holders  &  other  In- 
habitents  qualified  there  by  to  vote  for  the  officers  here 
after  mentned  to  afsemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  house 
in  s''  Town  on  monday  the  first  day  of  april  next  at  2 
o  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  their  being  Duely  meet 
&  formd     .     .     . 

I'y    to  Vote  for  a  Governer    .... 

2'y    for  a  Liut  Governer    .... 

[3355]     3'y    for  five  Senators     .... 

4'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Take  notis  of  the  Letter 
Sent  from  Hardwick  Committe  to  the  Sellect  men  Refpect- 
ing  Sending  a  Deligat  to  Worcefter  to  Confider  on  the 
Greavencies  the  County  of  Worcefter  Labors  under  or 
vote  aney  thing  Refering  there  to  as  the  Town  Shall 
Think  Proper    .... 

Here  of  faile  not  &  make  Return  of  this  Warrent  to 
fome  one  of  us  with  your  Dowings  there  on  at  or  before 
s*^  Day  Given  under  our  hands  &  Scale  this  fiftenth  Day 
of  march  A  D  1782 

^^l,       r>       J-  1  Select  men 

Ihos  Cowdm  \         r 

Ephraim  Kimball  {  -r^-,   ,  ,         i, 
^  J  ritchburgh 


Worcefter  fs    frst  of  april  1782 

by  vertue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warnd  the  free 
holders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
to  afsemble  and   meet  at  the  time  &  place  &  for  the  pur- 

pofe  with  in  mentned 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Cunftabl 

Att  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburgh  afsembled  april  the  1  1782 

Tho«  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y  Voted  and  Chofe  his  Exelency  John  Handcock  Esq 
Governer  of  the  Common  welth  Sixteen  vots    .     .     16 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  261 

2'y    for  the  Honarable  James  Bodwine  Esq     .       3  vots 

for  the  Honara])le  Samuel  Holten   Escj  Lint 

Cioverner  Seventeen    vots 17  vots 

for  the  Honarable  Thos   Cufhen  liscj    Liut 

Governer 7  vots 

[2*^.*i]     8'>'     Voted    for    five    Senators    that    is    for 

Samuel  Baker  Esq 21  vots 

for  Samuel   Curties   Esci 21  vots 

for  the  Honarable  mofcs  Gill    liscj     .     .     .     IG  vots 

for  Dr  William  Dinsmoor  Esq 17  vots 

for  Col"  Seth  Wafhburn IG  vots 

for  Ifrael   Nichols  Esq 11  vots 

for  Judge  Dar  Esq 5  vots 

A  True  Copy  attest   Select  men  for  fitchburgh 

a.,        r^        T  1  Select  men 

1  hos  Cowdin  \  r 

Eiihraim  Kimball  (  ^--4-  ui         i 
■  J  Fitchburgh 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 
4'y    Voted  to   Send  a  Deligat  to   meet   the  Convention 

to  be  held  at  Worcefter  the  2  Tuefday  of  april  Inftant 
2'y    Voted    and    Chofe  mr   David   macenticr  to   attend 

the  Convention  at  Worcefter 

T^i        ^        1-      f  Select  men 
Thos  Cowdm   J  ,- 

^P^^'"  ^""^^'^"  I  FitchLrgh 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 


(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju""  one 
of  the  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and  People 
of  the  State  of  Mafsachufetts  Bay  to  will  and  requier  you 
forthwith  to  notify  the  I'"'ree  holders  and  other  Inhabitents 
of  the  Town  of  I'itchburgh  Qualifyd  by  the  new  Conftitu- 
tion  to  vote  for  a  Keprefentative  to  afsemble  &  meet  at 
the  meeting  house  in  s''  I'^itchburgh  on  Thurlday  the  Six- 
teenth Day  of  ma}'  next  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  afternoon 
to  Elect  &  Depute  a  proper  Perfon  to  Keprefent  them  in 
the  Grate  &  General  Coart  to  be  Con  vend  and  held  at 
the  State  house  in  Bofton  on  the  Laft  weiulelday  of  may 
next  or  act  aney  thing  there  as  they  Shall  think  proper 


252  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Here  of  faile  not  &  make  Due  return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Doings  there  on  to  to  Som  one  of  us  at  or 
before  s'^  Day 

Given  under  our  hands  and  Scale  this  Twenty  forth 
Day  of  april  1782 

Thos  Covvdin  1  Select  men 
Oliver  Stickne   /        for 
Eph*"  Kimball  J  Fitchburg 

[334]    Worcefter  fs  may  the  14  1782 

by  Virtue  of  this  warrant  I  have  Warnd  all  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
to  meet  at  the  Time  and  place  within  mentned  — 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju":  Conftabl 

at  a  Legall  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 

Fitchburg  afsembled  may  the  16  1782 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

1/y  Voted  and  Chose  Cap*  Thos  Cowdin  to  Serve  & 
Reprefent  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  in  the  Grate  &  Generall 
Coart  &  the  said  Capt  Thos  Cowdin  herb}^  orderd  to 
attend  the  the  Grate  &  General  Coart  to  be  held  on  the 
Laft  wensda}^  of  this  Inftant  may —  &  then  the  Town 
meetng  was  Difolvd 

Thos  Covvdin    f  Select  men 
Oliver  Stickne  <         for 
Eph™  Kimball  (  Fitchburg 
Tho^  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 
The    Town  of   Fitchburgh    voted   the    Refolves  of  the 
Late  Convention  held  at  Worcefter  april  &  may  16*^  1782 
be  the  Reprefentetive  Inftructions   &  the  s*^  Reprefentetive 
Govern  himSelf  acordingly 

(Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  Phinahas  Sawyer  Jul  one  of 
the  Cunftabels  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

These  are  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment  and  People  of 
the  Commonwelth  of  the  Mafsechufeets  Bay  to  will  and 
require  you  to  notify  and  warne  all  the  freeholders  and 
other  inhabitence  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh,  qualify'd 
by  Law  to  afsemble  and   meet  at    the  Meeting  houfe  on 


Town  of  FitchbiirgJi.  263 

thurfday  the  Sixteenth  day  of  May  next  at  three  O  Clock 
in  the  afternoon  then  and  thair  to  act  on  the  following 
articals  — 

I'y    To  Chuse  a  moderator  to  Govarn  s'?  meeting  — 

2'-^'  To  See  what  the  Town  will  Do  Concerning  Cap^ 
Reuben  Gibfons  note  he  gave  Abraham  Willard  for  fifty 
Bufhels  of  Rye  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall 
think  proper  — 

['^!iJ5]  3'-^  To  see  whether  the  Town  will  excei:)t  of 
the  perfons  names  put  into  the  jury  Boxes  for  jur^^  men  or 
act  any  thing  thair  on  as  they  shall  think  i)roper  — 

4'y  To  Take  into  Confideration  what  method  the  Town 
will  think  beft  to  Come  into  to  pay  thair  Corn  nots  (liven 
to  the  soldirs  now  in  the  pofefllon  of  other  perfons  or  act 
any  thing  there  on  as  the\'  shall  think  proper  — 

S'J"  To  see  if  the  Town  will  appoint  Som  perfon  to 
give  Security  in  the  Towns  behalf  for  Debts  which  Can 
not  be  now  setlcd  by  the  Treafurer  or  act  any  thing  tliair 
as  they  shall  think  proper  — 

6'y  To  approve  or  Difaprove  of  the  old  Committee  to 
hire  soldires  or  act  any  thing  their  on  as  they  shall  think 
proper  — 

Hear  oflf  fail  not  and  make  return  of  this  warrant 
with  3^our  doings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  day  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hands  and  seels 
this  26  Day  of  april  A  D  1782. 

Worcefter  fs  May  14*^  1782 

by  Virtue  of  the  above  Warrent  I  have  warn'd  the  free 
holders  and  other  inhabitencc  of  the  Town  of  Pitchburgh 
to  meet  at  the  time  and  place  above  mention'd 

Phinehas  Sawyer  ju''  Cunftabl 

Tho'^   Cowdin      |  Select  Men 
Olaver  Stickncv  |  for 

EphU^  Kiniball"    ( lMtchI)urgh 

['-i2<)]  at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  Town 
of  Pitchburgh  Afcmbled  May  the  16  1782     .     .     . 

1'-^'  Voted  and  Chofc  Decon  David  Goodridge  modera- 
tor     


254  The  Old  Records  of  the 

2'>'  iiftcr  herinjT  Cap*^  Ruben  Gibson  Request  and  the 
Debates  there  on  Confernin^j^  a  note  the  s''  Capt  Ruben 
Gibson  Gave  to  Abraham  VVillard  for  50  bufhels  of  Rye 
then  the  Town  Voted  that  they  Would  not  pay  the  s''  note 
nor  now  parte  of  s''  note  Given  for  the  v5()  bufhels  of  Rye  — 

3'y  Voted  not  to  axcept  of  the  Lift  of  Juremen  but 
orderd  a  new  Lift  to  be  made  out  by  the  Select  men 

4'>'     Voted  to  pafs  over  the  4  artcle  in  the  Warrant 

5'-^  Voted  that  the  Town  Treal'urer  Give  notes  of  hand 
in  behalf  of  the  Town  upon  Intrest  for  Dets  Due  &  to 
perfons  that  have  Got  the  Towns  notes  in  their  hand  not 
upon  Intreft 

6'-^  Voted  and  Difmist  the  Committe  that  was  Chofe 
to  hier  Coantinantell  Solders 

This  Towrl  meeting  Difolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

(Seale)  Worcefter  fs  To  m^  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju''  one 
of  the  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

you  are  herby  Requird  in  the  name  of  the  Goverment 
and  people  of  the  Common  welth  of  the  mafsechufets  Bay 
to  notifx'  and  warne  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  to  afsemble  &  meet  at 
the  meeting  house  on  fr\'day  the  23  Day  of  this  Inftant 
august  at  2  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  their  being 
Duely  meet  &  formd  to  act  on  the  following  artcles     .     .     . 

1'^    to  Chuefe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s'^  meeting     .     .     . 

2'-^'  To  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  in  Refpect 
or  or  Regard  of  the  Towns  being  Sud  by  James  Danforth 
for  a  note  the  Select  meen  gave  s^  Danforth  for  a  number 
of  Bufhels  of  Corn  or  act  aney  thing  there  on  as  they 
Shall  think  proper 

[327]  3'^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  take  aney  noties 
of  the  Siculer  leters  Sent  to  the  Town  by  the  Generall 
Coart  or  act  aney  thing  there  on  as  they  Shall  think 
proper 

4'-^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Give  the  Colectors  or  Cun- 
ftable  aney  further  orders  Refpecting  the  Remainder  of  the 
moneys  that   Remains  in   their    hands  or  Give  the   Town 


Tozvji  of  FitchburgJi.  255 

Treafurer  aney  further  orders  as  to   Collecting  the  Reman- 

der  of  the  money  that  is  Stil  un  Collected 

Here  of  fale  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warent  to 
Som  one  of  us  the  Subfcribers  at  or  before  the  Day  a  bove 
mentned  Given  under  our  hands  &  Scale  this  Eighth  Day 
of  august   and   in   the    Seventh   year  of  our    Independanc 

A  D  1782 

Thos  Cowdin   [  Select  meen 
Oliver  Stickne   |  for 

Eph"i  Kimball  |   Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs  august  the  19  1782 

b}'  vartue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warnd  all  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
to  afeml)le  and  meet  at  the  time  and  place  and  for  the  pur- 
pofes  within  mentned 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju""  Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afsembled  august  the  23  1782     .     .     . 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 

l'>'    voted  and  Chofe  mr  Phinehas  Hartwell  moderator 

2'-^  voted  that  thole  perfons  that  are  indeted  to  the 
Colectors  may  pa\'  their  taxes  In  licfe  to  Defray  the  Corn 
note  Given  to  James  Danforth  (or  other  neet  Catle) 

3'>'  voted  that  the  Select  men  notify  mr  Eph'"  fare- 
banks  the  Reafon  that  the  Town  hath  not  afsed  the  Tax 
which  he  the  s''  farebank  was  Defird  to  Collect  by  Signing 
a  Leter  Seting  forth  the  Reafon  of  the  Delay 

4'>'  voted  that  their  be  (liven  to  the  Collectors  one 
weke  from  this  Day  to  Collect  money  or  Catle  to  Defray 
the  Towns  Debts:  then  if  those  i)erfons  will  not  make 
payment  —  then  the  Colectors  or  Cunl tables  are  orderd  to 
make  Diftrefs  witli  out  Delay 

This  Town  meeting  Difolved 

I'hinehas  Hartwell    moderator 
Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

['-it>8]     (Seal)     Worcefter  fs. 

To  M'.  Phinehas  Sawyer  JunV  one  ot  the  Conftables  for 
the   Town   of    I-'itchburffh    GreetiiiLT — In    the    name   of   the 


256  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Commonwealth  of  Mafsachufetts  You  are  hereby  order'd 
in  due  Courfe  of  Law  to  Notify  &  warn  all  the  F'ree- 
holders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
Qualified  hy  law  to  Vote  in  Town  Meetings  to  Afsemble  & 
meet  at  the  Meeting  houfe  in  s*?  Town  on  Monday  the 
Sixteenth  Da3'^  of  this  Inftant  September  at  one  O'Clock  in 
the  Afternoon  then  &  there  being  duly  met  &  form'd  to 
Act  on  the  following  Articles  —  Viz  — 

\^!^    To  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  s^  Meeting 

2^'y  To  See  What  method  the  Town  Will  take  to 
Support  the  Rev''  Mv  Payfon  the  year  enfuing  or  vote  any 
thing  referring  thereto  as  they  Shall  think  propper  — 

3cviy  To  fee  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  fup- 
port  the  Poor  or  Vote  any  thing  thereon  as  they  fhall 
think  proper 

4thiy  'pQ  fgg  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  pro- 
vide Schools  or  Vote  any  referring  thereto  as  they  fhall 
think  proper  — 

5thiy  "Yq  fee  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money  the  town 
will  raife  to  defray  Town  Charges  or  Vote  any  thing 
thereon  as  they  fhall  think  proper 

gthiy  'po  fee  if  the  Towm  will  allow  fuch  accounts  as 
fhall  be  laid  before  them  for  services  done  for  s^  town 

jtbiy  fo  fee  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  Sup- 
ply th  Rev"?  M*"  Payfon  oth  Wood  or  Vote  any  thing 
theron  as  the\^  Shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  return  of  this  Warrant  to  fome 
one  of  Us  at  or  before  the  Day  above  mentioned  Given 
Under  our  hands  &  Seal  this  Second  Day  of  September 
A  D:  1782 —  &  in  the  Seventh  Year  of  the  Independance  of 
America 

Tho^  Cowdin    |   Selectmen 
Oliver  Stikney  \         for 
Eph?^  Kimball  J  Fitchburgh 

Worcefter  fs  September  9^?^  1782 

By  Virtue  of  this  Warrant  I  have  warn'd  all  the  Free- 
holders and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  time  &  Place  &  for  the  Pur- 
pofes  within  mentioned 

P.  Sawjer  JunT  Conftable 


tt 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh. 


257 


['^'^t)]     At  a  Legal   Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town   of  Fitchburg  afsembled   September  the  16  — 1782  — 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 
I'y  —  Voted   and   Chose   Mr  Daniel   Putnam   Moderator 
2'-^ — Voted    to    Raise    One    Hundred    Pounds    in    filver 
Money  or  Produse  as  it   was   raisd   last   Year  to  pay  the 

Rev<'  MV  Payson   his   Sallery £100,,  -,,- 

3'"  —  Voted  —  to   Raise  £12  to  pay   Tho?  Starns 
to    fupport    Mr**   Hart  one   whole    Year 

&  fo  in  proportion 12,,   -,,— 

4'y  —  Voted  —  to  Raise  —  Sixty  pounds  to  provide 

Schools 60,,   -,,— 

5'> — Voted  —  to  have  Six   Men  for  School  Com- 

mitte  — 
6'y  —  Voted  —  &    Chose    Joseph   Fox    Esq'' — M"" 
Thomas    Stearns — Mr    David    Mclntire 
M*"  Ebenr  Bridge— Mr  David  Parce  and 
MJ.   John  Putnam  for  s"?  Committee  — 
71A'    Voted  each  Quarter  of  the  Town  have  thier 
proportion    of    the    fchool    Money    and 
lay  s'.'  money  out  as  the  Committe  fhall 
think     Propper    for    the    benifit    of    the 
fchool  — 
Voted   not   to   Raise  any  Money  on  the  5*^ 

Article  in  the  Warrent  — 
Voted  and  alowd  Daniel  farwcll  his  a  Count 
Voted   to   allow  —  Tho*:   Hart  well   his   Acco*^ 
Voted     &    allowd  —  Cap^    Saml     Burbanks 

Acco*^ 

Voted  &  allowd  —  David  MS  Intires  Acco*^ 
Voted  &  allowd  —  Kindal    Boutells   Acco* 

Voted  &  allowd—      D-  d" 

Voted  &  allowd — Joseph  Downs  Acco*^ 
Voted  &  allowd  —  Sam'.  Harris  d" 
Voted  &  allow'd — Jacob  I'uUanis  d" 
Voted  &  allowd — John  Osborns  d" 
Voted  &  allowd — Jefse  Frenchs  d" 
Voted  &  allowd  —  Hcz*^  Hodgkins  d" 
Voted  &  allow'd— David  C.oodclls  d«' 
Voted  &  allow'd — Jn  "  Far  wells  d" 
'7 


8'Z 


9 


£G 

8 

3„15„- 

,16„2 

2 

,14.,,- 

,  0, - 

,   7,.- 

,   8, - 

,   4,.- 

,   4„- 

,   8..- 

.    ~..~ 

1, 

.   4.,.6 

,16,, 6 

,   8.,4 

258  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Voted  &  allowd— Jn?  Carters          d"  .     .     .  ,,  6, - 
Voted  &  allowd  — The:   Cowdin  Jun'' d"  .     .  ,,  4,,- 
Voted   &  allowd — Joseph    &    Eleazr    Bald- 
wins Acco*^ ,,  8,,— 

Voted  &  allowd  — D.  S.  Locke  D« ,,10,,4 

Voted  &  allowd  —  Thomas   Cowdins  d''  .     .  ?>,,  8, ,4 


Carr*.'  forward  — 

[230]     Brot  forward £        „      ,, 

Voted  and  Allow'd  Tho^  Stearns  Accot    .     .  ,,   2,,- 

Voted  &  allowd — James  Pools  d"    ....  ,,   3,,— 

Voted  &  allowd  —  Oliver  Stickney     ....  ,,   4,,- 

Voted  &  allowd  — Dan'.   Harris ,,   4,,- 

Voted  &  allowd  —  Deacon  Thirston  an  Acco* 
due  to  Abijah   Page  for  Boarding  Sewil 

Harrington 2,,   2, ,8 

Voted  &  Allowd  — Elijah  Garfields  Acco^     .        1,,   6„8 
Voted  &  Allowd  — W?^  Danforths—       d^       .  ,,   2, - 

lOlz  Voted  to  allow  Cap^  Jon-?  Wood  for  pro- 
viding Thirty  Chords  Good  Wood  &  de- 
liver the  same  At  the  Rev^  Mr   Paysons 

Dwelling  House 8,,  — ,,— 

This  Town  Meeting  Disolved  — 

Danl   Putnam  Moderator 
Tho?   Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Saw\'er  Ju*"  one 
of  The  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

In  the  name  of  the  Goverment  &  People  of  this  Com- 
mon welth  you  are  herb}^  Requierd  to  notify  and  warn  all 
the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  qualifyd  by  law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
afemble  and  meet  at  the  meetinghouse  in  s*^  Town  on 
thurfday  the  twenty  fixth  Day  of  this  Inftant  December 
at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being  Duelv 
met  and  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles  that  is     .     . 

I'y    to  Chuefe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s*^  meeting 

2^y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  Refpecting 
the  forth  Clafs  that  was  Deficant  in  hiring  a  Contnantel 
Solder  &  as    the    Grate   and    Generall    Coart  hath  Relin- 


Town  of  FitcJibjirgh.  259 

quished  the  fine  as  will  apeare  by  their  Refolvs  of  October 
7  1782   or  act  atie}-  thing   Refering   to    Either  of  the  foure 

Clafes  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

3'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  pay  mr  Samuel  Herrick 
Six  Dolars  for  his  Expences  for  Stoping  three  Kits  which 
was  Drawn  a  Gainst  the  Town  for  what  was  his  Due 
from  the  Town  upon  James  Danforth^  note  &  other  Ritings 
s''  Herrick  had  a  gainst  f  town  which  the  Select  men 
promist  to  pay  —  provided  f*^  Herrick  would  Stope  s'^  Sute 
[231]  4'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take 
Refpecting  mr  Jonas  Kindall  being  over  taxt  or  vote  any 
thing  there  on  as  the}-  Shall  think   think  proper     .     .     . 

5'-^  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Chuefe  wardens  a  Cording 
to  the  late  act  of  the  Generall  Coarts  —  or  vote  ane^-  thing 

there  on  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
fome  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Time  above  mentnid  — 
Given  under  our  hands  &  Seale  this  tenth  Day  of  Decem- 
ber A  D  1782  and  in  the  feventh  year  of  the  Independanc 
of  america 

Thos  Cowdin     j  Select  men 
Oliver  Stickney  |  for 

Eph*"  Kimball   J  Fitchburgh 

Worcefter  fs    December  the  19  1782     .     .     . 

by  Vartue  of  this  warrant  I  have  warnd  all  the  free 
holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
to  afsemble  &  meet  at  the  Time  and  Place  within  mentned 

Phinehas  Sawyer  J"*"  Cunftable 

at  a  legall  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the   Town  of 

Fitchburgh  afembled  December  the  26  1782 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 
I'y    voted  and  Chose  mr  Daniel  Putnam  moderator 
2     voted  to   pafs  over  the   third   artcle  in  the  warrant 

for  y*^  prel'cnt 

8''     Voted  to  ])afs  over  fourth  Article  for  the  prefent 
4^''    Voted  that  the  Afsefsors  go  &  view  Mr  Jonas  Kin- 

dalls    land    and    improvmcnts    that    lies  in    the    Town    of 


260  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Fitchburgh  &  make  fuch  alterations  as  they  shall  think 
proper  in  the  Valuation  in  order  to  fee  that  s^  Kindall 
Hath  Juftice  done  him  as  to  his  Taxes 

5th  Voted  and  Chofe  Mr  W."  Brown  &  Lieu^  Kindall 
Bowtwell  Wardens 

6**^  Voted  and  adjourn 'd  this  meeting  'till  the  fecond 
day  of  January  1783  at  one  O'Cloek  P.  M.     .     .     . 

Tho^  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

[333]     1783 

January  2"?  The  Town  met  according  to  their  adjourn- 
ment and  open'd  the  meeting  and  proceeded  to  act  on  the 
other  Articles  not  acted  upon  mentioned  in  the  Warrant 

7*?^  Voted  that  Mr  Jofeph  Phelps  return  the  lift  given 
to  him  to  Collect  a  fine  laid  on  the  fourth  Clafs  for  not 
procuring  their  Soldier  as  order'd  by  the  General  Court  to 
ferve  for  3  years  in  the  Continental  Army     .... 

S*.'^  Voted  to  raife  one  hundred  &  Eight}'  Six  Pounds 
Six  Shillings  to  be  Afsefsed  upon  the  Inhabitants  of  s** 
Town  in  order  to  pa^'  the  3  men  raifd  to  Serve  in  the 
Continental  Army  for  3  years  being  the  laft  demand  the 
General  Court  made  for  men  on  s^  Town 

9*^  voted  that  Each  perfon  that  hath  paid  his  money 
tow   ward   hiring  the  laft  three  years  men  be  alow'd   to 

Draw  back  what  is  over  &  above  their  proportion 

this  voted  and  accepted  by  the  Town  — 

10  voted  and  ordred  that  the  affefsors  make  the  Tax 
to  pay  the  laft  three  j^ears  men  with  out  Dela}^  &  that  the 
Tax  be  made  Seperate  from  aney  other  Tax 

11*^  voted  not  to  pay  m*"  Samuel  Herrick  ane\'  Coft 
for  Stoping  the  three  writs  mentioned  in  the  Warrant 

The  Town  meeting  Difolved 

Daniel  Putnam   Moderator 
Tho«  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


Janeuery  6*^  1783  we  the  Select  men  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  having  taken  into  our  Sereas  Confideration  the 
ftate  and  fircumftanfes  of  Luke  oldridge  and  his  wife  and 
Children,  namely  luke  and  lyda  and  Jofeph  and  Sarah  who 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  261 

Came  from  leominfter  last  who  are  under  poore  fircon- 
ftanfes  that  we  Cant  admitt  of  their  being  inhabitents 
which  we  Caused  to  be  warnd  out 

Fitchburgh  Janeuery  7^*^  1783 

Tho''  Cowdin    \      Select  men 
Eph™  Kimball  j  for  Fitchburgh 

[233]  (Scale)  Worccfter  fs  To  mr  Phinehas  Saw\'er 
Ju^  one  of  the  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh 
Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  name  of  the  Common  welth  of  the 
mafsachufeets  bay  to  will  and  Require  you  forthwith  to 
notify  and  warne  the  free  holders  &  other  inhabitents  of 
the  Town  of  F'itchburgh  qualifyd  by  Law  to  Vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  s'' 
Fitchburgh  on  monday  the  third  Day  of  march  next  att 
nine  o  Clock  in  the  foure  noon  then  and  their  being  Duel3^ 
meet  and  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles  that  is 

I'y    to  Chufe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting    .     .    . 

2'y  to  Chufe  Select  mccn  and  other  Town  oficers  for 
the  year  Infuing  as  the  law  Directs 

3'y  to  axcept  of  aney  Town  Roads  or  high  ways  that 
have  bin  Laid  out  b}^  the  Select  men  or  their  order    .     .     . 

4'y  to  See  what  Sum  or  Sumes  of  money  the  Town 
will  raise  to  Keep  the  high  wa3's  in  Repare  and  See  what 
method  it  Shall  be  workt  out  the  year  infuing  or  act  aney 
thing  there  on  as  the}'  Shall  think  proper 

5'y  to  See  who  will  take  mrs  Hart  and  Suport  her 
the  year  Infuing  and  for  what  fum  of  money     .     .     . 

G'>  to  Sec  if  the  Town  will  abate  aney  perfons  Rates 
on  aney  list  Committed  to  aney  Cunftable  or  Colector 
or  aney  part  there  of 

7'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  permit  the  Swine  to  Go 
at  large  the  the  year  infuing  under  the  Kcgclations  of  the 
law 

8'>  to  See  if  the  Town  will  allow  aney  a  Counts  that 
Shall  be  laid  before  them  for  Servis  for  s''  town     .... 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Due  Return  of  this  war- 
rant witli  your  Dt)wings  there  on  to  Sume  one  of  us  at  or 


262  The  Old  Records  of  the 

before    s''    Da\'    Given    under    our    hands    and    Seale    this 
Eleventh  Day  of  Febuery  A  D  1783 

diver  Stickne  I     _^^^r, 
^  um  T^-    u   itk     nien  tor 
Eph*"  Kimball  \  o-^  t,u 
^  1  Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs  Febuery  the  24  1783  —  by  Virtue  of  this 
warrant  I  have  warnd  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tents  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  to  meet  at  the  time  and 
place  and  for  the  purposes  within  mentned 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju""  Cunftable 

['^34]  at  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburgh  afsembled  march  the  3  1783 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

I'y  voted  and  Chofe  Decon  David  Goodridge  modera- 
tor     moderator 

2'y  voted  to  Chuse  three  Select  men  for  the  year 
Infuing 

3'y  voted  and  Chofe  mr  oliver  Stickne  &  Thomas 
Stearns  &  John   Thurfton Select  men 

4'y  voted  that  the  Select  men  be  the  affesors  the  year 
Insuing affesors 

5^y  voted  and  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk  and 
Town  Treafurer    ....     Town  Clerk  &  Town  Treafurer 

6iy    voted  and   Chofe  mr  Abel   Bald  wine  Cunftable  for 

the  South  Side  of  the  Town Cunftable 

and   axepted   of  Capt  Samuel   Burbank  in  abel   Bald  wines 
Rume Capt  Burbant  in  his  Rume 

7^y  voted  and  Chofe  mr  David  macentier  Cunftable  for 
the  north  Side  and  upon  an  ajurnment  voted  and  acpted 
of  Capt  Thos  Hartwell  to  Serve  Cunftable  in  David 
maccenters  Rume  for  the  north  Side  of  the  Town  .  .  Cun- 
ftable for  the  north  Side 

8^y  voted  and  Chofe  mr  William  Brown  &  mr  Kindall 
Boutall  wardens  for  the  s*^  Town Wardens 

9'y  voted  and  Chofe  Thos  Cowdin  Jur  and  m^  Jofeph 
Wheler  Tithenmen Tithen  men 

10'>'  voted  and  Chofe  mr  Hezekiah  Hodgkins  and  afa 
Perrey   and   Thos    Cowdin   Ju^  and   mr   Jacob   upton   and 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  263 

mr  Ruben  Smith  and  William  Grimes  and  Mr  James  Poole 
and  mr  Abraham  Jaquith  and  oliver  Brown  Survaers  of 
high  ways Survaers  of  high  ways 

ll'y  voted  and  Chofe  David  Whitne  and  Samuel  Darby 
and   Elijah   Phelps  hog  Reves hog  Reves 

12'y  voted  and  Chofe  Jofhua  Parce  and  Samuel  Downe 
fiere  wards fier  wards 

13'y  voted  and  Chofe  Daniel  Putnam  Survaer  of  Cla- 
bords  &  Shingels     .     .     .     Survaer  of  Clabords  &  Shingels 

['<J8i>]  14'>'  voted  and  Chofe  Capt  Jonathan  Wood 
Survare  of  hups  and  Staves hups  &  Staves 

15'y  voted  and  Chofe  David  Parce  Sealer  of  Waits  and 
mefhers waits  &  mefhers 

16'y  voted  Afa  Perr  and  Jofhue  Parce  fense  vuers  .  . 
fens  vuers 

17'y  voted  Raise  one  hundred  pounds  to  mend  and 
keep  in  Repare  the  high  ways  and  bridges  the  3-ear  Infu- 
ing £100  — 

and  that  those  that  Did  not  work  out  their  high  way 
tax  last  years  Deficency  aded  ot  the  prefent  years  high 
wa^'  tax  or  pa3'  in  mone\'  what  is  be  hind  or  Remains 
Due,  and  the  list  is  to  be  Ruturnd  b\'  the  high  wa\'  Se- 
vares  with  the  Credit  on  s*'  list  of  Each  perfon  b^-  the  20 
Day  of  October  next     .... 

and  that  the  high  way  tax  Shall  be  workt  out  as  it 
was  in  the  year  1774 £14-14-0 

18'y  voted  that  the  Town  pay  Liut  Kindall  Boutall 
forty  nine  Dolars  to  Suport  mrs  Hart  one  whole  year  and 
so  in  ])roportion  if  flic  Ihould  not  live  the  year  out  .  .  49 
Dolars 

19'y  voted  that  the  Swine  Run  at  large  being  under 
the  Regolation  of  the  law  the  year  Infuing     .... 

20'>'  voted  and  alowd  Phineas  Sawyer  Jun  his  a  Count 
which  is 0-19-4 

voted  and  alowd  Samuel  Davis  a  Count     ...  1-  4-0 

voted  and  alowd    Eph'"  Kimball  his  a  Count    .    3-lG-O 

voted  and  alowd  oliver  Stickncy  his  a  Count    .    3-12-0 

voted  and  alowd  John  Thurfton  his  a  Count   .   3-  8-0 

voted  and  alowd  Decon  Ooodridge  iiis  a  Count    3  11  0 

voted  and  alowd  James  Poole  his  a  Count   .    .    1  00  0 


264  The  Old  Records  of  the 

21'y  voted  and  axcepted  of  a  Road  laid  out  for  noah 
wizwcll  land  til  it  Corns  to  the  County  Rode  and  axcepted 
by  the  Town  if  the  land  is  Given  by  those  perfons  that 
own  the  land  namely  mr  Nathaniel  Wrights     .     .     . 

and  Thos  Cowdins  land  til  the  two  Rod  Rode  Striks 
the  County  Rode  and  the  trees  markt  on  the  Easterdly 
fide  of  faid  Road     .... 

then  the  Town  Came  to  a  vote  and  a  jurnd  the  Town 
meeting  til  the  17  of  this  Inftant  march 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

the  Remainder  of  the  Town  meeting  you  will  find  in 
page  237  for  want  of  Rum 

[23G]  (Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  mr  Samuel  Burbank 
one  of  the  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greet- 
ing 

In  the  name  of  the  Common  welth  of  the  mafsachufets 
bay  you  are  herby  requierd  to  notif)^  in  Due  Corse  of  Law 
agreable  to  the  Conftitution  the  free  holders  &  other  In- 
habitents  Qualified  by  the  Conftitution  to  vote  for  the 
officers  hereafter  mentned  to  afsemble  &  meet  at  the  meet- 
ing house  in  s'^'  Town  on  the  first  monday  in  april  next  at 
one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being  Duely 
meet  and  formd 

firstly    to  vote  for  a  Governer 

2iy    for  a  Liu*  Governer 

3^y    for  five  Senoters 

and  forthly  to    Chuse  a  Committe  to  Setle  with   the 

Town  Treafurer    .     .     .     Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return 

of  this  Warrant  to   Some  one  of  us   with  your  Dowings 

there  on  at  or  before  the  s'^  Day   Given  under  our  hands 

&  Scale  this  Eighteenth  Day  of  march  A  D  1783     .     .     . 

1-         OJ--  1        reelect  men 
Oliver  Stickne  (         r 

Thos  Stearns  (  pitchburg 


Worcefter  fs    In    obedianc    to    the    Within    Warrant    I 
have  notifyd  &  warnd  the  free  holders  and   other  Inhabi- 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  265 

tents  of  the   Town   of  Fitchljurgh   to   meet  at   the  time  & 
place  agreable  to  the  Within  Warrant     .     .     . 
Fitchburgh  april  7  1783 

Samuel  Rurbank   Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  o 
Fitchburgh  afembled  april  the  Seventh  17S3 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 
firftly     voted   and   Chofe  his   Exelency  John    Handcock 
Governer  by  the  number  of  votes  therty  feven     .     .    37 
voted    and    Chofe  his   honer  Tho*"  Cushen  Liut 

Govrner  the  noumber  of  votees 31 

and   one   vote  for  the  honarable   James   Bod- 
wine   Esq 1  vote 

and  for  five  Scnetors  —  that  is  the   Hon'  mofes 

Gill   Esq 9 

for  the  Hor  Samuel   Baker  Esq 9 

for  the  Hon'  Ifreal   Nichols   Esq 9 

for  mr  Will  Page  hardwick 9 

for  Samuel  Curtic  Esq 9 

[5i37]  then  proced  a  Cording  to  the  warrant  and 
Chofe  Jofeph  Fox  Esq  and  mr  Phinehas  Hart  well  to  be  a 
Committe  to  Setle  with  the  Town   Treafurer  then    Defolvd 

the  Town  meeting  ,.         o  •  i  i       , 

Oliver  Stickne  moderator 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

march  17*^'^  1783  the  Town  meet  a  Cording  to  their 
ajurnment  and  profeded  to  y"  bifnes  of  the  Day 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clerk 

22'-^'  voted  and  Dismift  Daniel  Putnam  from  his  being 
Chofe  one  of  the  Select  men  and  an  aflesor     .... 

23'y  voted  and  axcepted  of  Capt  Samuel  Burbank  to 
Serve  Cunftable  and  Collector  in  mr  Abel  Baldwincs  Rume 

then  the  Town  voted  and  ajurnd  the  Town  meeting 
til    the    first    monday   in   april   at   2  o   Clock   in   the  after 

noon  — 

Thos  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

april  the  7  1783  the  Town  meet  acordiiig  to  their 
ajurnment  and  opend  the  meeting  and  proccdcd  to  the 
bifnes  of  the  Day 


2GG  The  Old  Records  of  the 

24'y  voted  and  Chofe  Samuel  Hernck  Cunftable  for 
the  north  Side  of  the  town  which  was  afterwards  Difmist 
by  the  town  by  Reafon  of  mr  David  makentier  hiring 
Capt  Thos  Hartwell  to  ferve  in  his  Rume     .... 

then  the  Town  a  jtirnd  the  Town  meeting  til  the  16 
Day  of  ma3'  at  2  o  Clock  in  the  after  noon. 

Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clark 

May  16  1783  the  Town  meet  acording  to  their  ajurn- 
ment  and  proceded  to  the  bifnes  of  the  Day     .     .     . 

25'y  voted  and  axcepted  of  Capt  Thos  Hartwell  to 
Serve  Cunftable  and  Collector  for  the  north  Side  of  the 
Town  in  the  Rume  of  David  macentier  which  was  Difmist 
by  his  hiring  the  afore  faid  Thos  Hartwell  in  his  Rume 
which  was  Sworen  into  the  office  of  Cunftable  &  Colector 
for  the  year  Infuing  —  then  the  meeting  was  Difolvd 

David  Goodridge  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


[338]  (SI)  Worcefter  fs  To  Capt  Samuel  Burbank 
one  of  Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

In  the  name  of  the  Common  welth  you  are  Requierd 
forth  with  in  Due  Coarfe  of  law  to  notify  and  warne  all 
the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  Qualify d  by  the  Conftitution  to  vote  for  a 
Reprefentative  to  a  Semble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe 
on  fryday  the  Sixtenth  Day  of  may  next  at  one  o  Clock 
in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  being  Duelj^  meet  and 
formd  to  Chufe  Som  meet  perfon  if  they  think  fit  to 
Reprefent  them  in  the  Grate  and  Generall  Coart  the  year 
Infuing 

Then  to  proced  a  Cording  to  fome  other  matters  which 
are  herafter  mentned  in  f''  warant  Relating  to  other  town 
matter 

l^y  to  Chufe  a  moderator  Regolate  the  last  Claws  of 
the  warrant 

2'-^  to  See  if  the  town  will  provide  ftocks  and  Scales 
and  waits  for  the  youse  of  the  Town 

3^y    to  fee  what   method   the  Town  will  Do  in  Refpect 


Town  of  Fitcliburgh.  267 

to  their  being  Sud  by  Benjiman  Larranc  or  act  ane^'  thing 
Refering  ther  to  as  they  fhall  think  ])ropcr  — 

4'y  to  fee  what  the  Town  will  Dcj  Kelpccting  the 
poore 

Here  of  fale  not  and    make    Return   of   this    warrant 

with    your    Do  wings    there    on    to  fome  one  of   us   at   or 

before  the  Day  above  mentnd     given  under  our  hands  and 

Seale  This  28  Day  of  april  1783 

Oliver  Stick ne    1     o  i     ^ 

T-,        o.  Select  men 

J  hos  Stearns 


T   u      'ri   '  r^       (  *or  h^itchburg 
John  Thurfton  J  '^ 


Worcefter  fs    may  the  16  1783 

In  obedianc  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  notifyd  and 
warnd  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  to  afem- 
ble  and  meet  at  the  time  and  place  mentined  in  the  war- 
rant 

Samuel  Burbank   Cunftable 


at  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburgh  afsembled  may  the  IG  1783 

[*^i51)]  Then  after  the  warrants  being  Red  the  Town 
being  ast  the  question  whether  they  would  fend  a  Repre- 
fentative  the  year  Infuing  it  was  voted  that  they  would 
Send 

and  a  Cordingly  proceded  to  a  Choyse  — 

and  brot  in  their  votes  and  made  Choyse  of  Capt 
Thos  Cowdin  to  Rei)refent  the  s''  Town  in  the  (irate  and 
(icneral  Coart  the  year  Infuing  .  .  .  and  also  voted  to 
(live  their  Reprefcntativ  their  InftructioTis  and  then  Difolvd 

the  meeting 

Thos  Cowdin  Towin  Clerk 

Then  proceded  to  act  on  the  other  artcles  nicntncd  in 
the  warrant 

1'^  voted  and  Chofe  Daniel  I'utnain  moderator  .  moder- 
ator 

2'-^'  voted  that  the  Town  are  provided  with  a  (lood 
Beame  and  a  Set  of  Good  Seek!  waits     .     .     .     Scald  waits 


268  The  Old  Records  of  the 

3iy  voted  to  provide  a  Seet  of  good  Stoks  and  voted 
that  the  Stoks  be  let  out  lowest  bider 

4'y  and  a  Cording  ly  they  ware  let  out  to  Capt  Thos 
Cowdin  the  wood  work  only  for  6/ 

5iy  voted  and  Chofe  a  Committe  to  Defend  the  Law 
Sute  betwene  the  Town  and  Benjiman  Larranc 

6'y  Chofe  mr  Elijah  Gafield  &  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju*"  be 
a  Committee  to  a  pear  and  Defend  the  Town  a  Gainst  F 
laranc  to  final  Judgment  and  Execution  and  the  f'  Com- 
mitte are  herb  impowerd  to  proced  in  the  law  to  as  far  as 
they  Shall  think  proper  for  the  Towns  Intrest 

This  meeting  Difolvd 

Daniel  Putnam  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

*A  Two  Rod  Road 

Fitchburgh  March  the  1  1783 

The  Selectmen  apointed  us  a  Committy  to  la3'  out  a 
Road  for  the  Conveanancy  of  us  whofe  Names  are  under 
ritten  and  we  have  laid  it  out  in  the  following  manner. 
Beginning  at  the  South  Part  of  Mr  Farwell  and  MT  Page 
and  running  North,  Betwene  them  till  it  comes  to  Land 
of  Doc^  Martin  Herrick,  thence  Nor  weft  A  croft  a  corner 
of  s"?  Herricks  Land,  and  the  bounds  are  trees  marked  on 
the  North  Eaft  Side  of  the  Road,  and  then  running  Acroft 
Benjaman  Herreks  Land  Weftterly,  till  it  comes  to  Land 
of  Jofeph  Venens  and  trees  Marked  on  the  North  Side 
thence  Running  north  by  Land  of  Said  Benjamans  upon 
Land  of  s"?  Venens  till  it  Comes  to  Land  of  Eph'V  How- 
ards runing  still  by  Benjamin  Herricks  Land  and  on 
Eph'"  Howard,  till  it  comes  to  Land  of  Elijah  Willards 
thence  Running  a  Croft  s*?  Elijah's  Land  till  it  Comes  to 
Land  of  Daniel  Willards ;  the  Road  marked  on  Eaft  Side, 
then  running  North  acroft  Daniel  Willard  land  to  Afhby 
line,  and  the  Marks  on  the  Eaft  Side  of  the  way  the  road 

Turn  Over 

*  First  location  road  now  known  as  Ashb^'  West  Road.     [.Annotation 
on  the  margin.     W.  A.  D.] 


Tozvn  of  Fitchburgh.  269 

[240]  two  Rods  wide  which  we  oftcr  for  the  Towns 
Exceptence.  Excepted  thif  Road  if  the  Land  be  Given  for 
the  youse  of  the  Inhabitance  of  s*.'  Town 

Jofeph  Vennen 
Simeon  Chattuck 
Daniel  Willard 
Ephraim  Howard 
Ik-njaman  Herrick 
EHjah  Willard 
Committe  apoynted 
b}'  the  Select'incn 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

(Seale)  Worcefter  fs  to  Thomas  Hartwell  one  of  the 
Cunftables  for  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  Greeting 

in  the  name  of  the  Common  welth  of  the  mafsechufets 
you  are  herby  orderd  in  Due  Corfe  of  law  to  notify  and 
warne  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburgh  qualifyd  by  law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  house  in 
s'*  Town  on  tuesday  the  Sixteenth  Day  of  September  next 
1783  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  and  their  beinsr 
Duely  meet  and  formd  to  act  on  the  folowing  artcles  that  is 

I'y    Chufe  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .     .     . 

2'y  to  See  what  Sum  of  money  the  Town  will  Raise 
for  the  Revrant  mr  I'aysons  Saler}'  for  the  prcfent  year  or 
act  aney  thing  there  on  as  they  Shall  think  proper     .     .     . 

3'>'  to  See  what  Sum  of  money  the  Town  will  Raise 
to  Suport  a  Scoole  or  act  aney  thing  there  on  as  thev 
Shall  think  proper 

4'-^'     to  Raise  money  to  Suport  mrs  Hart     .... 

5'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  Git 
wood  for  mr  Payson  the  year  Infuing    .... 

6'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  allow  Such  a  Counts  as 
Shall  be  laid  before  them  for  Servfes  Dun  for  s''  Town 

7'y  to  See  what  the  Town  will  do  Refpecting  the 
Scool  land  Sold  by  Lunenburgh  or  act  anev  thing  there 
on  as  they  Shall  think  profier     .... 

8'>'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  abate  aney  i)erfons  Rates 
in  aney  list  or  lilts  in  aney  Cunftable  or  Colectors  hands 
or  act  aney  thing  there  on  as  they  Shall  think  proper   .     . 


270  The  Old  Records  of  the 

9'y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  n prove  or  Dif  aprove  of  a 
Road  from  nir  William  Orimes  to  mr  Jacob  Gibfons  and 
turning  from  s''  Gibfons  to  perleys   land  or  act  aney  thing 

thereon  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

[^41]  10'-^'  to  See  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  money  the 
Town    will    Raife    to    Defra}'   Town    Charges   or   act   aney 

thing  Thereon  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

Here  of  faile  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant 
with  3^our  Dowings  ther  one  to  Some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  s''  Day  Given  under  our  hands  and  Scale  at  Fitch- 
burgh  the  1  Day  of  September  A  D  1783 

Oliver  Stickne    |  Select  men 
Thos  Stearns     /         for 
John  Thurfton  J    Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs    September  the  15  1783 

In  obediane  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notifyd  the 
Inhabitents  of  s'^  Town  qualifyd  by  law  to  act  in  Town 
meetings  to  meet  at  time  and  place 

Thomas  Hartwell  Cunftable 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburh  afsembled  September  the  16  1783 

Thos  Cow^din  Town  Clerk 

I'y    voted  and   Chofe   Phinehas  Saw3'^er  Ju''  moderator 

2'-^  voted  to  Raife  Sixty  Six  pounds  thirteen  Shilings 
&  foure  penc  to  pay  the  Revrant  mr  John  Paysons  Salery 
the  Prefent  year £66-13-4 

3iy  voted  to  Raife  forty  pounds  to  Suport  a  Seoole  the 
year   Infuing 40-0-0 

4'y  voted  that  Each  quarter  of  the  Town  Draw  their 
proportan  or  part  of  the  Scool  monc}'  —  and  that  no  quarter 
of  the  Town  be  intitled  to  aney  part  of  the  Scool  money 
til  they  have  Expended  their  part  by  laying  s*'  nione3'  out 
in  Scooling  their  Children 

5'-^  voted  and  Chofe  Jofeph  fox  Esq.  Liu*  Paul  Wetherby 
&  Phinehas  Sawyer  Jul  &  amos  Ordwa^'  &  afa  Perrey  & 
Ruben  Gibfon  Ju^  be  a  Committe  to  provide  a  Scool  marf- 
ter  or  marfters 


Town  of  Fitcliburgh. 


271 


6'y  voted  to  Raife  forty  nine  Dolars  to  Suport  nirs 
hart  one  whole  ^ear  &  so  in  proportion  for  a  lefs 
tarme £14-14-0 

['^42]  7'-^  voted  that  nir  Paysons  wood  be  Sot  up 
at  a  vandue  and  and  that  the  lowest  bider  provide  the 
wood  and  Deliver  thirty  Coards  of  Good  Wood  at  the 
Dower  of  the  Revrant  nir  Paysons  house  for  the  year 
Infuing  .... 
8'y     voted  to  alow  Ifaac  liolden  his  a  Count   and 

others 

voted  to  alow  Afeph  (loodridge  his  a  Count  .  . 
voted  to  alow  William  Brown  his  a  Count  .  . 
voted  to  alow   oliver  Stickne  his  a  Count  .     . 

voted  to  alow  Phinehas  Sawyer  Jur  his  a  Count 
voted  to  alow   Thomas   Stearns   his  a  Count     .     . 
voted  to  alow   Thomas  Stearns  a  nother  a  Count 
voted  to  alow  Jofliua   Pare  his  a  Count    .... 
voted  to  alow   William    Brown   a  nother  a  Count 
voted  to  alow    lilijah   Gafield   his  a  Count     .     .     . 
voted  to  alow    William  Tidmafh  his  a  Count 
voted  to  alow    Phinehas   Hartwell   his  a  Count 
voted  to  alow   Cap*  Jonathan   Wood  his  a  Count 
voted  to  alow   Thomas   Cowdin  his  a  Count     .     . 
voted  to  alow  Jofe])h  fox  Esq  his  a  Count     .     .     . 
voted  to  alow  John   Thurften  his  a  Count     .     .     . 

24  2  5 
9'y  voted  and  Chofe  Thomas  Cowdin  and  Phinehas 
Hartwell  to  be  a  Committe  to  Sarch  the  Records  in  the 
proprietors  book  Refpecting  the  Scool  lands -&  and  also 
the  Records  in  the  Town  Book  of  Lunenliurge  and  take  a 
tefted  Coppes  of  the  Records  -  to  now  what  purpos  those 
lands  was  Granted  for  and  to  See  if  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burgh  had  aney  Right  to  those  Lands  or  land  and  also 
the  faid  Committe  are  impowerd  to  Setle  with  Lunen- 
burgh  or  to  profecute  to  final  Judgment 

10'>'     voted  to  abate  John  Whelers  Rates  in  Daniel  far- 
wills  lists  which  is  for  the  year  17S0  whis  is  .     2-lS  '6  ^"^^y 
also  to  a  bate  William  Batons  tax  which  is     1-18-8 
also  to  a  bate  Rol)crt  Hills  tax  which  is          0  11-6 


1 

6/6 

9/ 
10-0 

0- 

■   2- 

-0 

0- 

-14-0 

0- 

-13- 

-7 

0- 

-   9- 

-0 

o. 

-  4-0 

1- 

-   S- 

-0 

5- 

-  3- 

-6 

1- 

-   1- 

-4 

0- 

-16- 

-0 

1- 

-   1- 

-0 

6 

15- 

-0 

0 

13- 

-6 

0 

16- 

-0 

272  The  Old  Records  of  the 

also  to  a  bate  Silos  Browns  which  is     .     .     0-750 
also  to  abate  William  Stewards  tax  in  I'hine- 

has  Sawyer   Lift   which  is 1-11-0 

then  a  motion  was  made  &  Seconded  to  a  Jurn  the 
meeting  til  the  third  Tuefday  of  October  next  &  the  Town 

meeting  was  ajurnd  a  Cordingly 

Thos  Covvdin  T  Clerk 

[243]  October  the  21  1783  The  Town  meet  aCording 
to  f"^  ajurnment  and  the  Town  Clerk  being  abfent  a  motion 
was  made  and  Seconded  to  ajurn  f"^  Town  meeting  Tuefday 
the  28  Day  of  this  Inftant  October  at  one  oClock  in  the 
after  noon  at  this  place  .  .  .  The  meeting  is  ajurnd  a 
Cordingly 

T         o^-  1  f  Select  men 

Oliver  Stickne        I         r 

Thomas  Stearns  )  r^-.   ,  , 

l^ritchburg 

October  the  21  1783  the  Town  meet  a  Cording  to 
their  a  Jurnment  and  opend  the  meeting  and  proceded  to 
the  work  of  the  Day 

ll'y  voted  to  a  bate  John  Uptons  taxes  in  Phinehas 
Hartwells  list  which   is 1-  8-9 

voted  and  a  bated  Nahum  Darbyes  tax  which  is     1-18-8 

voted  and  a  bated  Daniel  Darbys  tax  which  is    .    1-18-8 

12'-^  voted  to  Rafe  thirty  pounds  to  Defray  Town 
Charges 30-0-0 

13'-^'  voted  to  pay  Nehemiah  fuller  five  pounds  Seven- 
teen Shilings  to  provide  thirty  Coards  of  Good  wood  and 
Deliver  the  wood  at  mr  John  Paysons  Dwilling  House  the 
wood  is  to  be  to  the  Exceptance  of  the  Revrant  mr  John 
Payson     5-17-0 

Fitchburgh  Septembr  the  16  1783  then  Rcend  with 
the  Town  Treafurer 

14'-^  voted  and  Excepted  of  the  Town  Treafurers  a 
Counts  as  they  ftand  by  the  Towns  Committe  we  find 
Due  in  Jonathan  Holts  hands  Cunftable  for  the  year 
1778 £5-13-6-3 

we  find  in  James  Paterfons  hands  Cunftable  for  the 
yeare   1779  hard   money 1   12-2-1 


Town  of  FitcJibiirgh.  273 

In  rhiiihas  Hartwclls  Cuiiftable  for  the  year  1780 
Town  Tax  hard  money 46—13—   6  — 

In  Phinehas  Hartwells  hands  niiniftcr  Tax  for  tlie  year 
1780 20-15-  8-3 

In  Daniel  farwclls  liands  Cunftable  for  the  3'ear  1780 
Town  Tax 68-18-   1-3 

In  Capt  Rubin  (libfons  hands  Colector  for  the  3'ear 
1781  Town  tax 169-13-  4-  - 

we  also  iind  in  f  Gibfons  minister  Tax  for  1781    .     . 

34^  9-  5-2 

In  Capt  Samuel  Burbanks  Collector  for  the  3'ear  1781 
Town  Tax 36-12-  7-3 

we  also  find  in  f''  Burbanks  hands  minifter  tax  for  the 
year  1781 11-  1-  7  - 

In  Cap*  Samuel  Burbanks  Colector  for  the  year  1782 
Town  Tax 36—15—  5  — 

we  also  find  in  f''  Burbanks  hands  minifter  tax  1782   .    . 

50-15-  6  - 

In  Jofeph  Phelps  hands  Colector  for  the  3'ear  Town 
tax  1782 35-  4^  9  - 

we  also  find  in  f  Phelpes   hands  minifter  tax  for  1782 

49-  4^  6  - 

[Ji44]  In  Capt  Samuel  Burbanks  hands  Colector  for 
the  year  1782  Soldiers  tax £90-16-  0-2 

In  Jofeph  Phelpes  hands  Colector  for  the  3'ear  1782 
Soldiers  tax 89-19-11-3 

we  find  in  the  Treafurers  hand  a  State  Recept  which 
Phinehas  Hartwell  is  a  Countable  for  to  the  Town  Dated 
april  28  — 17S1  &  is  due  on  (''  Recept  in  hard  mone3'S     .     .     . 

51-14-  1   - 

we  find  one  note  against  Capt  Ruben  Gibfon  in  hard 
money 3—12—  0 

we  find  one  note  a<2^ainst  Capt  Samuel  Burbank  in 
hard  money 3-12—  0 

we  find  one  State  Treafurers  Recepte  the  Towns  prop- 
ert3'  a  gainst  Capt  Samuel  Burbant  Dated  June  13*^ 
1782 125-14-  8 

we  find  one  States  Treafurers  Recept  the  Towns  prop- 
erty against  Capt  Ruben  ("iibfon  Dated  June  14  1782     .     .     . 

32-18-  6 
18 


274  The  Old  Records  of  (he 

wc  find  a  note  find  by  francis  Fullam    Dated  December 

the  :a    1772   lor 2:20-   .'5 

We  also    (ind    that    the   Treafurer   hath   paid   over   and 
above    what   he   thatli    Kecevd    which    he   is   to   be   allowd 

for 8()^lGz:8 

we  find  a  note  a  Gainst  Cap^  Samuel    lUirbank   Dated 

march   17^^   1782  for 3-12-0 

wc  find   a  note  a   Gainst  Capt   Thos   Hart  well   Dated 

may  1(3  1783  for 3-12-  0 

I'hinehas  Hartwcll  |  Commit*^^'^ 
Jofeph  Fox  a  pointed 

Thomas  Stearns         to  Setle  with 
John  Thurfton  J  the  Treafur 

The  Town  meeting  Difolvd 

Phinehas  Sawyer  Jur   moderator 
Thomas  Cowdin   Town  Clerk 


[;i545]  (Scale)  Worcefter  fs  To  Thomas  Hartwcll 
Cunftable  for  the  town  of  Fitchburgh  —  Greeting  —  in  the 
name  of  the  Common  Wealth  of  the  mafsachufetts  you 
are  herby  required  in  Due  Coarse  of  law  to  notify  & 
warne  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitents  of  s"^' 
Town  qualif\'d  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to  afcmble  and 
meet  at  the  meeting  house  in  s^  Town  on  monda}^  the 
fifth  Day  of  Janeuery  next  at  one  O  Clock  in  the  after 
noon  then  and  their  being  Duely  meet  and  formd  to  act 
on  the  folowing  articles     .... 

1'-^    to  Choose  a  moderator  to  Govern  s"^  meeting    .     . 

2'y  to  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  Raise 
the  firft  the  firft  moyety  of  the  Continantel  Tax  that  hath 
bin  omitted  by  the  s'^  Town  or  act  aney  thing  thereon  as 
they  Shall  think  proper 

3'-^  to  Sec  if  the  Town  will  allow  Capt  Samuel  Bur- 
bank  Six  Shiling  pr  Bufhel  for  Rye  that  the  Town  promis'd 
for  his  for  Suporting  mrs  hart  for  one  year  or  act  aney 
thing  there  on  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

Here  of  faile  note  and  make  Returen  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Dowing  there  on  to  fum  one  of  us  at  or  before 


Tuivn  of  Fitchburgh.  275 

the  Day  a  bove  mcntncd  Given  under  our  hands  and   Scale 

this  ninteenth  Day  of  December  1783 

V         0  4.-  1  1  Select  men 

Oliver  Sticknc}'    \  r 

Thos  Stearns      f  ,.•,   ,  ,         , 
j  litchburgh 

Worcefter  fs  Fitchburgh  Janeucry  5*^'^  1784-  in  obcdianc 
to  the  wart  I  have  notify d  and  warnd  the  Inhabitents  of 
s''  Town  cjualifyd  by  law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  meet 
at  time  and  place  within  mentned 

Thos  Hart  well  Cunftable 

[ii40]  at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the 
Town  of  l^Mtchburgh  a  fcmblcd  |aneuer\'  the  5  1784- 

Thos  Cowdin  T  Clerk 
I'y    voted  and  Cholc   Deacon   David   Goodridgc  moder- 
ator 

2'-^'  voted  by  the  Town  of  I'itchburgh  to  Raife  foure 
hundred  and  Seventy  foure  pounds  thirteen  Shilings  and 
foure  pcnc  being  their  proportion  of  the  firft  moyety  of 
the  Contenantel  tax  Granted  by  the  Grate  and  General! 
Coart  at  there  Sefion  in  may  21)  1782  .  .  .  £474:13:4 
3'-'''  voted  to  alow  Caj)^  Samuel  IJurbank  Six  Shilings 
pr  Hufhel  for  Rye  the  Town  ])romifcd  to  pay  him  ibr  Keep- 
ing  mrs    Hart   tme    whole    yearc   whis   is   forty    Bufhels   of 

Rye 

Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 
This  meeting  Difolvd 

David  Goodridgc  moderator 
Thos  Cowdin  Town  Clerk 

(seal)  Woi'cefter  fs  To  Thomas  Hart  well  one  of  the 
Constabls  of  the  town  of  Fitehburg  in  said  County  .  .  . 
Greeting 

Tliefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Mafsa- 
cliufctts  to  will  iv  Re(|uire  you  ibrth  with  to  Notify  &  warn 
all  the  tVecholdcrs  and  oilier  Inhabitance  of  the  town  of 
I'itchburg  OualHfied  Hy  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to 
Afsemble   and    meat   £it   the   meeting    Houfe   in  s''  town   on 


276  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Mondny  the  first  Da}'  of  march  Next  at  Nine  O  Clock  in 
the  morning  then  &  their  Being  Duly  meet  &  to  act  on 
the  following  articles  to  wit 

If*-     to  Choofe  A  Moderator  to  Govern  s''  tneeting     .     . 

2'-^'  to  Choose  Selectmen  &  other  town  officers  for  the 
3'ear  linfuing  as  the  Law  Directs  or  act '  theiron  as  the}' 
Shall  think  proper 

8'>'  to  See  if  the  town  accept  of  any  Roads  or  High- 
ways that  have  Been  Laid  out  hy  the  Selectmen  or  their 
order  or  act  any  thing  their  on  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

4'y  to  See  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  money  the  town 
will  Raife  to  keep  the  Highways  in  Repair  and  See  in 
what  method  the  Same  Shall  be  worked  out  the  Enfuing 
3'ear    .... 

5'-^  to  see  who  will  take  Mifs  Hart  &  for  what  Sum 
of  money  they  will  Support  Her  the  3'ear  Enfuing 

[247]  6'>'  to  See  if  the  town  will  vote  the  Swine  to 
go  at  Large  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law  the  year 
Enfuing    .... 

7^^'  to  See  if  the  Town  will  allow  any  accompt  for 
Service  Done  for  Said  town 

8^y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  take  up  the  Sects  in  the 
front  Garllc}^  &  make  them  into  Pews  for  the  ufe  of  the 
Singers  or  act  any  thing  theiron  as  they  Shall  think 
proper    .... 

9^y  to  See  if  the  Town  will  Repair  the  Glafs  in  the 
meeting  House  or  not 

Oliver  Stickney  )  Select  men 

Thomas  Stearns       J         for 
John  Thurston  Jur  J    Fitchburg 

Worcefter  Ss    febuary  y^  28  1784 

In  obedince  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notified  and 
worned  all  the  freholders  &  other  Inhabitance  of  the  town 
of  fitchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings 
to  meet  at  time  and  place  with  in  Named 

Thomas  Hartwell  Constable 

At  A  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Afsembled  March  the  first  1784 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh. 


277 


Select  men  &  afsefsors 


Coiistaljles 


1st    voted  &  Choofe  rinnchas  Hartwell  Moderator 

2'>'  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas 
Hartwell  firft  Seleet  man  Oliver 
Sticknev  the  second  Thomas  Starns 
the  third 

3'y  voted  that  the  Selectmen 
be  the  aflcsors  for  the  year  En- 
fuing 

4'y    voted  &  Choofe  Phin^  Hartwell   Town   Clark 
Town  Clark 

5'y    votd  &  Choose  Phin"^  Hartwell  Town  Treafurer 
Town  Treafurer 

6'y    voted  &  Choofe  Dca  David  Goodrid^i^e 
Constable  for  the  South  Side  of  the  Town 

7'^'     voted  and  Choofe  Jofep    Policy   Con- 
stable for  the  North  Side  of  the  Town 

8'y  voted  &  Choose  Joseph  Sawyer  &  John  Goodrid<2;e 
to  be   wardans wardains 

9'y  voted  &  Choofe  Afeph  Goodridge  &  David  Parce 
tything  men Tything  men 

10'>-  voted  &  Choofe  Hczckiah  Hodgkins  &  Cap^  Sam' 
Burbank  &  Jofeph  Sawyer  &  Jonathan  Kufsel  &  Daniel 
Putnuni  &  Thomas  Hilton  &  Lue*^  Kendel  Boutell  &  Jona- 
than flint  &  Leu*  Seth  Phillips  &  william  Hafkell  to  be 
Survayours  of  High  ways  the  year  infuing  ....  High 
way  Surva3'rs 

ll'y  voted  that  the  Survoyrs  be  Directed  to  work  out 
the  Highway  taxes  in  the  following  manner  viz  to  have 
Each  perfon  on  the  S])ot  be  allowed  four  pence  for  every 
Hour  that  he  faithfully  works  &  thofe  Survyours  that  are 
Called  to  afsift  on  the  County  Road  are  to  allow  their 
Hands  each  perfon  Sutal)lc  time  lor  their  travie  to  the 
place  ap])ont<l  to  work  lliofe  tlirit  arc  taken  from  their 
own  Deftrict 

Be  allow  for  a  yoak  of  oxen  a  Hole  Day  2  '  iS:  for  a 
Cart   1/  for  a  Plough    one   Shilling  &  Six  ])eiice  for   a    Day 

['-ilSJ  And  all  Perfons  that  Dont  work  out  their 
High  way  Rate  shall  be  obliged  to  Pay  the  Remainder  to 
the  Collector  or  Collectors  in  money  and  the  Highway 
Survayours  are  ordred  to  Return  a  Lift  of  all  Deli(|uant 
persons  to  the  afselsors  that    haul    uorkt    out    there    Higli 


278  The  Old  Records  of  the 

way  tax  Ry  the  first  of  October  next  &  the  afscfsors  are 
Directed  to  afscfs  all  Perfons  that  have  not  workt  out 
there  Highway  tax  viz  what  Remains  not  workt  that  is 
the  afsefsors  are  to  afscfs  what  Remains  on  the  Next  town 
tax  &  that  the  money  be  Laid  out  in  mending  &  Repair- 
ing the  Highway  and  Bridges 

12'y  voted  &  Choofe  for  Hog  Reeves  Jonathiin  wars 
&  Jacob  fuUam  &  John  upton  &  David  whitemore  Hog 
Reeves 

13'y  voted  &  Choofe  Jacob  Gibson  &  Samuel  Parce 
to  be  fire  wards  for  the  year  Enfuing    ....    fire  wards 

14'y  voted  &  Choofe  John  upton  to  be  a  Surveyor  of 
Shingles  &  Clabords   .    .   Surveors  of  Shingles  &  Clabords 

15'y  voted  &  Choofe  Cap*  Jonathan  wood  to  be  a 
survayour  of  Hoops  &  Staves  .  .  Survayour  of  Hoops 
&  Staves 

16'y  voted  &  Choose  David  Parce  to  be  a  Sealer  of 
weights  &  meafures    ....    Sealer  of  weigh  &  meafures 

17'y  voted  &  Choofe  Afa  Perrey  &  Jacob  upton  to 
be  fence  vewers fence  vewers 

18'-^  voted  to  Raife  one  Hundred  &  fifty  Pounds  to 
mend  the  Highways  &  Bridges  the  year  Enfuing    .     ,     ■ 

19'y  voted  that  the  Selectmen  order  the  Highway  Sur- 
vayors  to  work  on  the  County  Road  from  the  town  Line 
by  Jacob  uptons  &  b}^  m''  Kendall  Boutels  as  much  as 
they  Shall  think  proper 

20'y  voted  to  pay  Daniel  Farwell  thirty  five  Dollars 
to  support  mis  Hart  one  whole  year  &  so  in  propotion 
if  She  Should  not  Live  the  year  out £10-10-0 

the  motion  was  made  &  Seconded  to  adjourn  &  it 
was  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  till  the  fifteenth  Daj^  of 
this  Inftant  march  at  one  a  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  & 
the  meeting  is  ajoured  accordingly 

Thomas  Cowden  Clark 

March  y'^  15ti»  1734 

the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  meet  according  to  ajourn- 
ment  and  preceded  to  Bufmefs 

21'y  voted  to  allow  oliver  Brown  his  accomp*  which 
is £1-4-0  pd 


Town  of  Fttchbtcrgh.  279 

and  alfo  Allowed  Phin'"  Sawyer  Jii'^  his  accomp*^  which 
is 0-12-0  pd 

['^49]  22'>  voted  Lo  Choofe  a  Committee  &  Report 
wheather  it  is  I'elt  for  the  town  to  take  uj)  anj'  part  of 
the  frunt  Gallary  for  the  ufe  of  the  Singers  and  Rejjort  to 
the  Town 

23'y  voted  &  Choofe  Daniel  Pntnum  &  oliver  Stickne}' 
&  Dea  John  Thnrfton 

24'>'  voted  to  Repair  the  the  Glafs  in  the  meeting 
Houfe 

25'y  voted  that  the  Selectmen  Repair  the  dlafs  winders 
in  the  meeting  Houfe 

26'y  voted  to  Exeufe  De'  David  Goodridge  from  Serv- 
ing Constable  &  Collector  and  that  the  ten  Dollars  Shall 
He  in  full  for  him  the  said  David  Goodridges  turn  when 
paid  which  Sum  the  Said  Dea  Good  ridge  promifses  to  ])ay 
to  the  town  &  Give  his  note  for  the  money     .... 

27'y  voted  that  the  Collectors  of  the  town  &  State 
tax  Shall  be  held  to  procure  Good  Bondsmen  for  the  faith- 
full  performance  of  the  Dut\'  of  Collector 

28'y  voted  to  pay  Dea  John  Thurston  forty  one  vShil- 
Hng  on  each  Hundred  pound  he  Shall  Collect  and  So  in 
])roi)tion  for  a  Greater  or  Lefsor  Sum  for  Collecting  the 
town  or  County  or  State  or  whatfever  other  tax     .     .     . 

29'y  voted  and  accepted  of  Dea  John  Thurston  to  lie 
a  Collector  for  the  north  Side  of  the  town  for  y'  year  17S4- 

30'>'  voted  to  pay  John  ferwell  forty  three  Shillings  for 
one  Hundred  pounds  to  Collect  the  town  &  State  taxes  & 
all  other  taxes  Legually  afsefed  so  in  propotion  wheather 
Greater  or  Leiser 

31'>'  voted  to  accept  of  John  ferwell  to  Serve  as  Col- 
lector for  the  South  Side  of  the  town  and  to  Serve  Con- 
stable in  the  Room  of  De''  David  Goodridgc  then  the  mo- 
tion was  made  &  Seconed  to  ajourn  the  march  meeting 
till  firft  munday  in  april  and  the  meeting  is  ajt)uriied 
accordingl}'  till  one  a  Clock  in  the  after  noon     .     .     . 

Thomas  Cowdin    Town  Clark 

A])ril  y'  5"'  1 7.S4-  then  the  Town  meet  according  to 
ajourninent  iv  ])r<)ccded  to  the  lUiifenefs  of  the  Day     .     . 


280  The  Old  Records  of  the 

32'^'  voted  to  move  the  potition  Betwene  the  mens  & 
the  womens  Seats  in  the  front  Gallary  So  as  the  men 
Singers  to  have  two  thirds  of  the  front   (jallarv   for  there 

ufe 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Moderator 
this  meeting  Difsolved 
Recorded  By  me       Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clark 

[350]  (scale)  Worccfter  fs  To  John  Farwell  Confta- 
ble  for  the  town  of  fitchburg  Greeting|  Thefc  are  there- 
fore in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the  Mafsachu- 
fetts  to  order  &  Direct  you  fourthwith  to  Notify  all  the 
male  Inhabitance  of  fitchburg  of  twenty  one  years  of  age 
&  upwards  Having  a  freehold  Eftate  within  this  Com- 
monwealth of  the  anuel  income  of  three  pounds  or  any 
Eftate  of  the  value  of  Sixty  pounds  to  Afsemble  and  meet 
at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  Fitchburg  on  monday  the  fift 
Da}'  of  April  Next  at  three  a  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then 
&  their  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  follow- 
ing articles  viz    .... 

1^*    to  Give  in  your  votes  for  a  Governor    .     .     . 

2'5'    to  Give  in  3'our  votes  for  a  Lue^  Governor    .     .     . 

3'y  to  Give  in  your  votes  for  five  Senators  in  the 
County  of  worccfter  a  Greeable  to  the  Constitution 

Hereof  fail  not  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
3'^our  Doings  there  on  to  Some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  and  time  a  bove  mentioned  Given  under  under  our 
Hands  &  Seal  at  fitchburg  this  twenty  Second  Day  o^ 
march  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1784 

Phinehas  Hartwell  ]  Select  men 
Oliver  Stickney  /         for 

Thomas  Starns        J   fitchburg 

Worccfter  Ss  April  y^  S**^  1784 1' in  obediance  to  the 
within  warrant  I  have  Notified  the  freeholders  &  other 
inhabitance  as  is  Spacified  in  the  within  warrant 

John  Farwell  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  town  of 
fitchburg  afsembled  april  the  fift  1784 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  281 

11^     voted    for    his    Exellancj'  John    Handcock    Efq''  for    a 

Govrnor  by  the  No  of  votes  two 2 

Do  for  the  Honourable  John  Adams  Efq"^  one   .   Xo   .     1 
[)*'  for  Col"  John  Commins     .     .     .     one     .     .     Xo   .     1 
D"  for  the  Honorable  Samuel   Holton   Efqr  seven- 
teen      No   .  17 

D°  for  the  Rever'^  Zebdial   Adams     .     .     .     twenty 

one No   .  21 

2'y     voted  for  the  Honrablc  oliver  Prel'cott  as  Lu"^  Gov- 
ernor     Xo  of  vots     .  29 

3'>'     voted   for   live   Scnatcjrs  viz  |  the  Honourble  mofes  Gill 

Efqr No 26 

for  the  Honourable  Israel  Nicholas  Efcjr  .  No  of  votes  .  26 
for  the  Honourable  Seth  warfhburn  Efqr  No  of  votes  .  26 
for  the  Hounourble  Samuel  Curtifs  Efqr  .  No  of  votes  .  26 
for  M*^  Willam  Page  of  Hardwick     .     .     .   No  of  votes   .  26 

I  Phin"^   Hartwell  |  Select  men 
Thomas  Cowdin    Town  Clark  |  oliver  Stickney  ;         for 

J  Thomas  Starns  j  Fitchburg 

[251]  Fitchburg  September  y^  4^1^  1783 
*  Whereas  a  Nomber  of  the  inhabtance  of  this  town 
Dwelling  in  the  Norweftardly  part  of  Said  town  &  owners 
of  Lands  now  about  to  be  improved  &  is  improved  Some 
time  paft  Requefted  to  the  Selectmen  of  s''  town  for  a  tow 
Rod  Road  to  to  be  Laid  out  through  the  Lands  of  us  the 
Subscribers  which  was  Laid  out  and  agreed  to  \  the 
Difcriptions  are  as  follows  Begining  at  W'JQ  Hafkclls  South 
Line  Ruiiing  Northcrdly  through  s''  Hafkells  Land  to  Leu* 
Pages  &  Abra"'  l-\'r\\ell  Land  then  on  ]iages  6c  fcrwells 
one  Rod  on  each  through  on  the  Line  l)ctwcne  them  to 
Docter  martin  Herricks  Land  then  thiough  the  Corner  of 
s''  Dr  Ilcrrick  Land  a1)()ut  30  or  4-0  Rods  to  Benjamin 
Herrick  Land  then  Runing  angle  ways  through  the  s''  Benj" 
Herrick  Land  to  or  near  s''  Herrick  Houfe  to  Jofcph  venen 
Land  then  on  Jos  vencns  Land  Bounded  on  Herrick 
thi-ough  to  I'vj)hraiin  Hcn  ward  Land  then  o\\  Howards 
Land  on    Herrick    Line  to   Ivljah  \\  illard    Land  then  North- 


Sfc  pa^^i-    '_'.'{'.>.     [AimoUititiii  on  llic  m.iij^in.     \\  .   A.   !•.] 


282  The  Old  Records  of  the 

erdly  through  s''  willard  Land  to  the  Land  of  Daniel  wil- 
lard  then  through  said  Daniels  vvillards  Land  to  Afhby 
Line  the  above  mentioned  Road  has  ben  accepted  By  the 
town  So  far  as  was  Given  and  for  the  Better  Satisfaction 
and  Safty  of  the  town  and  the  owners  of  Said  Lands  the 
Road  was  Laid  out  on  or  through,  we  the  owners  of  s*' 
Lands,  Do  Hereby  tistify  and  Confirme  our  willingnefs 
each  and  every  one  of  us  perfonaly  to  Give  Said  Land  free 
&  clear  of  all  inconibrances  for  the  publick  ufe  &  Benefit  of 
travelling  to  be  an  open  town  Road  for  pafing  and  Re- 
pafsing  as  is  Laid  out  &  Difcribed  by  marks  and  Bounds 
in  witnefs  Hereof  we  Do  Sett  our  Hands  this  inftant  Sep- 
tember and   in  the  Seventh  3'ear  of  america  Indepedance 

March  y*^  1"^  1784  the  above  mentioned  Road  was 
accepted  at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitance  of  s''  town 
at  there  annual  march  meeting  By  an  article  in  serted  for 
that  Purpofe  \  the  above  mentioned  perfons  that  signed 
this  Intrument  are  as  follows 

Abraham  Farwell 
William  Hafkell 
Elijah  Willard 
D*"  Martin  Herrick 
Ephraim  Heyward 
Daniel  willard 
Jofeph  venen 
Benj^  Herrick 
Jonathan  Page 
Samuel  Herrick 
NathL  Heyward 
Phine^  Hartwell  moderator 
Recorded  By  me 

Phinehas  Hartwell  town  Clark 


[353]  (Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  Cap*  Thomas  Hart- 
well one  of  the  Constables  for  the  town  of  Fitcbburg 
Greeting  I  thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
the  Mafsachufetts  to  will  &  Require  you  forthwith  to 
Notifv  &  warn  all   the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitance  of 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  283 

the  Town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in  town 
meetings  to  assemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in 
iitchburg  on  Munday  the  fifteenth  Da}'  of  tliis  inftant 
march  at  one  ()  clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  there 
being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles 
(viz)     .... 

l*"*^    to  Choofe  moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting    .     .     . 

2'y  to  See  if  the  town  will  Send  a  member  to  meat  a 
Convention  at  Worcefter  by  a  Request  of  a  Circuler  Letter 
from  Sutten  for  that  purpose  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as 
they  Shall  think  proper 

3'>'  to  See  if  the  town  will  a  bate  any  Rates  in  any 
of  the  Constables  or  Collectors  Lift  or  Lifts  or  act  any 
thing  there  on  as  they  Shall  think  })roj)cr 

4'-^  to  See  if  the  town  will  Difcontinue  a  road  from 
william  Grimefes  Houfe  to  Jacob  Gibsons  Houfe  &  accept 
of  a  road  from  s''  Gil)sons  Houfe  through  s''  Gibsons  Land 
to  a  road  that  I^eads  to  the  School  liousc  as  is  Discribed 
by  a  Request  of  a  Number  of  the  inhabitance  of  s''  town 

5'>'  to  Sec  if  the  town  will  afsift  Afeph  Goodridge  in 
Keeping  the  Gates  in  repare  on  the  road  Leading  from  s'' 
Good  ridges  to  the  meeting  houfe 

G'y  to  See  if  the  town  will  Raife  money  to  Discharg 
an  Execution  in  the  High  Sheriff  hands  for  beef  &  Raife 
money  for  other  ufes  or  act  any  tiling  there  on  as  thev 
Shall  think  i)roper 

7'^'  to  See  if  the  town  will  Choofe  a  Committee  to 
Settle  with  the  town  treafurer 

S'>'  to  See  if  the  town  will  take  into  Confideration  & 
Defend  m*"  Noah  wcfwcll  from  ])aying  his  taxes  to  wcft- 
minfter  afsefed  on  him  in  the  year  17S1  iS:  17.S2  or  act  anv 
thing  there  on  as  they  Shall  think  i)ro])cr 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  this  t^  arrant 
with  your  Doings  there  on  to  Some  one  of  us  on  or  before 
s''  Day  Given  under  our  hands  X:  Seal  Dated  at  I-'itohburg 
march  the  firft  1  7S  t 

riiiir'  ILartwell  |  Select  men 
Oliver  Sticknev  ;          for 
Tho«  Stearns  "        1-il  eh  burs' 


284  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Worceftcr  Ss  Fitcliburp^  March  y*^  15^^  \^<fi,^  in  obedi- 
ence to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notified  &  warned  all 
the  free  holders  &  other  Inha])itance  of  the  town  Qualified 
by  Law  to  vote  in  town  meeting  to  meet  at  time  and 
place  with  Named 

Thomas  Hartwell  Constable 

['^^53]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  afsembled  on  march  y"^  15*'^  1784    .     .     . 

1'^'    Choofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  moderator    .... 

2'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  till  five  a  Clock  in 
the  after  noon  of  s''  Day 

3'>'  voted  to  Send  a  member  to  meat  the  Convention 
at  worcefter  on  the  third  tuesday  of  this  inftant  march  in 
order  to  take  into  Confideration  the  Circuler  Letter  Sent 
from  Sutten  Dated  the  16  Day  of  febuary  Laft     .     .     . 

4'y  voted  &  Choofe  m''  David  m'^intire  to  meat  the 
Convention  at  worcefter  on  the  Sixteenth  Da}'  of  march 
inftant  to  take  into  Confideration  the  Letter  Sent  from 
Sutten     .... 

5'y  voted  to  abate  Solomons  Gibsons  Rates  in  I'hin^ 
Hartwells  Lifts  for  the  year  1780 

6'y  voted  to  abate  Thomas  Gary  taxes  in  Thomas 
Hartwells  Lifts  which  is 1-2-6 

7iy  voted  to  Difcontuner  the  old  road  Leading  from 
m*"  william  Grimefes  houfe  to  Jacob  GiVjsons   Houfe     .     .     . 

8'y  voted  to  accept  of  a  two  rod  road  Leading  from 
Jacobs  Gibsons  houfe  Leading  to  the  Schoole  houfe  as 
the  Road  w^as  Laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  Strait  from  s*^ 
Gibsons  houfe  to  the  Corner  of  the  Lane  aganst  mr  par- 
leys houfe  where  thc}^  formerly  traveled  to  s*^  town  by  the 
school  houfe    .... 

9'-^  voted  not  to  Defend  m*"  Noah  wezwell  from  pay- 
ing his  taxes  to  wefteminfter  for  the  year  1781  &  1782 
then  a  motion  was  made  to  have  this  town  meeting 
ajourned  to  the  firft  mundav  in  april  at  two  a  Clock  in 
the  after  noon  and  this  meeting  is  adjourned  according!}- 

Thorns  Cowden   Town  Clark 

April  y^^  5^'^  the  town  meet  according  to  their  ajourn- 
ment  &  proceded  to  the  Buifenefs  of  the  Day 


Town  of  Fitchbuigh.  285 

10'>'  voted  to  abate  Stephen  fullers  Rates  in  Ctij)* 
Samll  Burhanks  Lilts  which  is  11/9 

ll'y  voted  to  abate  oliver  Browns  ])oll  t£ix  in  Daniel 
farwell  State  bill  in  i)ai)er  money 20-0-0 

12'-^'  voted  to  abate  Jos  (jibsons  Kates  in  Cap^  Tho" 
Hart  wells    Lift    which   is 1-2-G 

13'>'  voted  to  have  the  Committee  make  i'uthcr  incpii- 
rey  Confcrning  the  Beef  and  Report  to  the  town 

14'>  voted  that  Jos  fox  &  the  Selectmen  ])e  a  Com- 
mitte  to  Settle  with  the  town  tre.afnrer 

15'y  voted  to  abate  Noah  wcfsells  Rates  in  Cap^ 
Samll  Burbanks  Lift    which  is 25-10-4-3 

then  a  motion  was  made  to  have  tliis  meeting  ajourned 
till  may  meeting  and  s''  meeting  is  ajournd  accordingly 

may  y^'  14^'^  1784  the  town  meet  according  to  ajourn- 
ment  &  proceded  to  buifenefs 

16'>'  voted  to  Raife  Eight\-  pounds  to  Difchargc  an 
Execution  in  the  hand  of  the  High  ShcrifT  against  the  town 
for   Deficeney  of  Beef 80-0-0 

This  meeting  Difolved 

Phinehas  H^irtwell  moderator 

Recorded  bv  me  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clark 


['454]  (Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  John  Ferwell  Constable 
for  the  town  of  Pitchburg  Greeting  Thefe  are  therefore  in 
the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the  Mafsechusett^  to 
will  &  Re(|uire  you  forth  with  to  Notif\'  all  the  male  In- 
habitance  of  Fitehburg  of  twenty'  one  years  of  age  ^: 
upwards  Having  a  free  hold  Eftate  within  said  town  of 
the  anuel  income  of  three  jjounds  or  any  Eftate  of  the 
value  of  Sixty  pounds  to  afsemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting 
House  in  s''  town  on  fryday  the  fourteenth  Day  of  this 
inftant  may  at  three  ()  clock  in  the  after  noon  then  & 
there  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  tlie  following 
article 

l''^  to  see  if  the  town  will  elect  <\:  Dejjute  any  ])erson 
to  serve  for  and  Re[)rel"ent  them  in  the  Great  (S:  (»enerai 
Court  or  afsembley  to  be  held  in  this  Common  wealth  or 
act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  Sludl  think  proper 


28t)  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Hereof  fail  noL  and  make  return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hand  & 
Seal  at  fitehburg  this  eighth  Day  of  this  instant  may  and 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1784 

Phinehas  Ilartwell  (  Select  men  for 
Oliver  Stickney         \      Fitehburg 

Worcefter  fs  In  o1)edince  to  the  within  warrant  I  Have 
Notified  the  Inhabitance  of  the  town  of  fitehburg  to  meet 
at  the  time  &  place  as  is  Spaeified  in  the  within  warrant 
Fitehburg  may  ye  14*^^  1784 

John  Ferwell  Constable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitance  of  the  town  of 
I'itchburg  afsembled  on  may  the  14*^'^  1784 

voted  &  Choofe  Thomas  Cowden  Efq*"  to  serve  for  & 
Representetive  in  the  Great  &  General  Court  or  Afsemble 
to  be  held  in  this  Common  wealth  on  the  Laft  wednefs 
Day  of  may  inftant 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clark 

[*^55]  (seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  John  F'erwell  Consta- 
ble for  the  town  of  Fitehburg  Greeting  Thefe  are  in  the 
Name  of  the  Common  wealth  of  the  mafsechuletts  to  will 
&  Require  you  fourthwith  to  Notify  &  warn  all  the  free- 
holders &  other  inhabitance  of  the  town  of  fitehburg 
Qulified  By  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to  Afsemble  & 
meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  fitehburg  on  wednefsday  the 
first  Day  of  Sep*^  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after 
noon  then  &  their  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on 
the  following  articles 

l***^    to  Choofe  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .     . 

2^y  to  Raife  money  to  Support  the  Rever''  M""  John 
Payson  the  prefent  year 

3'^  to  see  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  sup- 
port the  ])oor  or  act  txny  thing  theiron  as  the3'  Shall  think 
proper     .... 

4'y  to  see  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  pro- 
vide schooling  or  act  any  thing  theiron  as  they  shall 
think  proper     .... 


Town  of  FitcJiburgJi.  287 

5'y  to  sec  if  the  town  will  allow  sucii  acconips  as 
shall  be  Laid  before  them  for  service  Done  for  said  town 
or  act  any  thinjjj  theiron  as  they  shall  think  i)ro])er 

6^>'  to  see  what  som  or  sums  of  money  the  town  will 
Raife  to  Defray  town  Charges  or  act  any  thing  theiron  as 
the}'  shall  think  i)roper 

7'>'  to  sec  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  supply 
the  Reve'^  m""  payson  with  wood  the  ])rcfcnt  year     .     .     . 

8'>'  to  see  if  the  town  will  allow  m""  Jonathan  Kufsell 
and  m""  Jefse  French  any  a  abatement  on  their  Kate  Hill 
in  the  Hands  of  the  Constable  for  the  year  ITSO  in  Re- 
gard to  there  being  Drafted  or  act  any  thing  theiron  as 
they  Shall  think  ])roper     .... 

O'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  (livc  in  there  votes  for  a 
Regefter  of  Deeds  for  the  County  of  worccftcr  as  Directed 
by  a  warrent  from  two  of  the  Juftices  of  the  Corum 

10'-^'  to  see  if  the  town  will  take  into  Consideration 
the  Circurlcr  Letter  from  wcftminstcr  in  Regard  to  Deviding 
the  County  or  act  any  thing  theiron  as  they  shall  think 
proper 

Here  of  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the  Day  and  time  jibovc  men- 
tioned Given  under  our  tLinds  cS:  seal  this  sixteenth  Day 
of  August  &  in  the  year  of  our  Lord   1 7S4 

Phinchas  Ilartwcll  |  Select  men 
Oliver  Stickncy  |          for 

Thomas  llcarns        j  l-'itchburg 

Worccftcr  fs  h'itchburg  vSep*^  y"'  1''^  17S4  in  obediance 
to  the  with  warrant  I  have  Notefied  and  warn''  all  the 
free  holders  &  other  inhabitance  of  the  town  of  fitchburg 
Quallificd  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to  afsemhle 
and  meet  at  the  time  &  place  as  is  spasiticd  in  the  within 
warrant 

John   Lcrwcll    Constable 

[250]     At  a  Legal    Meeting  of  the  Iidiabitancc  of  the 

town  of  fitchburg  Afsemblcd  September  y^'  P^  17S4-     .     . 

V"^     voted  and  Choofs  Phinchas  Sawyer  Ju'   moderator 

2'>'     voted    to    Raife   for    the    Rcvr''  m'    I'ayson    supjjort 

for  the  prefcnt  year i)()()-L'{-4- 


288  The  Old  Records  of  the 

.'}'>  voted  to  Kaifc  tliirty  five  Dollars  for  Daniel  I-'cr- 
well  to  sui)])ort  mis  Hart  one  wliole  year  so  in  propotion 

if  Shec  Shokl  not  Live   the  year  out 10-10-0 

4'-^'     voted  to  Raifc  forty  pounds  to  support  the  seliool 

the  prefcnt  year 40-0-0 

5iy  voted  &  Choose  for  a  sehool  Committee  lilijah 
Garfield  &  m*"  Hezekiah  Hodgskins  &  m'  Chearls  Willard 
&  m''  Daniel  Putnum  m'  John  Goodridge  &  m''  Jonathan 
Rulsell  Sehool  Committee 

G'y  voted  that  e^ich  Quarter  Draw  their  jjropotion  of 
money  according  to  there  Rate  Bill  in  each  Quarter 

7'>'  voted  to  allow  De\^  David  Goodridge  account  for 
Labour  with  several  other  Hands  on  the  Great  Bridg  in 
Repairing  it  as  appears  By  his  accomp^  Dated  June  y*^  5**^ 

1784  the  sum 2-  4-  6  p<^ 

8'-^'    voted  to  allow    Ebe"  Policy  his  accomp*^ 

for  Labour  at   the  Great    Bridge     .     .        0-10-  Op'' 
voted   to   allow   Cap*^  Thomas   Hartwell 

his   accomp^ 0-  2-  0  p*' 

voted   to  allow  John   upton  his  account 

for  Labour  at  the  Bridge 1-10-  0  p'^ 

voted    to    allow    Phinehas    Hartwell    & 
Ephraim  Hartwell  6/0  their  accomp^ 

at  the  Bridge 1-  0-  0  p*^ 

voted  to  allow  Thomas  Stearns  for  Ser- 
vice Done   as  an   afsefsor 2-  0-  3  p'^ 

voted   to   allow   oliver  Stickney   for  ser- 
vice   Done    as   an   afsefsor    &    to  the 

Bridge 3-  4^  2  p^ 

voted    to    allow   Samll   Burbank  his   ac- 

compt  at  the  Bridge 0-  2-  0  p^ 

voted  to  allow  John  thurston  Jur  his  ac- 
count at  the  Bridge  &  as  an  afsefsor       2-   7-  6  p'^ 
voted    to   allow    Elijah    Garfield   his   ac- 
count             0-  6-  0  pd 

voted  to  allow  Phin*^  Sawyer  Ju""  his  ac- 
count  at  the  Bridg 0-  3-  4  p<i 

voted  to  allow  Eben^  Bridge  his  account 

which  is  Cost   at  Law 4^  7-  9  p*^ 


Toiun  of  Fitchbnrgh.  289 

voted  to  allow   Hezekiah   Hodgskins  his 

account x  1-  0-  G  p'' 

voted  to  allow  Eff[r  Cowden  for  taken 
Care  of  the  meeting  Houfe  one  year 
&  setling  with  the  Committee  his  ac- 
compt 1-11-  0  jy' 

voted   to   allow   Afa  Perre\'   his  accomp"^ 

for  setling  the   Beef 0-10-  O  p^' 

voted   to   allow  Jofeph    Low  Ju''  his   ac- 

comp*^  at  the  bridge 0-19-  G  p'* 

voted  to  allow  Lie*^  paul  weatherbee  his 

accomp*^ 0-  2-  0  p^ 

voted  to  allow  David  AMntire  his  ac- 
comp*^  for  tending  on  the  convention 
at   Worcefter 2-14-  0  pf' 

voted  to  allow  Edward  Scott  his  work 
on  the  highway  to  be  Reconed  of  to 
a  futerc  Highway  Rate  to  Come     .     .        8-  ()-  O  p'' 

voted    to    allow    lid  ward    Scott  his   ac- 

comp*  for  timber  at  the  Bridge    .     .  12-  0  p'^ 

['^57]  9'-^-  voted  &  Choose  M--  Kendel  Bou- 
tell  &  m""  Thomas  Stearns  to  meat 
the  Convention  at  weftminifter  the 
second  Day  of  this  instant  Sep^  to 
Consult  the  interest  of  the  County  .  . 
lO'y  voted  to  allow  John  Carter  his  accomp*^  £0-  3-  4  p"^ 
ll'>'  voted  to  allow  m""  Afeph  Goodridgc  five 
pound  Eighteen  Shillings  for  provid- 
ing thirty  Coard  of  Good  wood  at 
the    Reve''    M*"   Paysons    Door   to   m'' 

paysons   acceptance 5-18-   0  p'' 

V2}y  voted  to  allow  m""  Jonathan  Kufscll 
to  ward  his  1)cing  Drafted  by  Col" 
Bridge  one  Shiling  &  ten  i^cnce  ...  0  1-10  p*^ 
18'>  voted  &  Raise  one  Hundred  and  fifty 
Pounds  to  Defray  town  Charges  and 
the  al)Ovc  accounts  for  the  i)rcfant 
year  to   be  affefcd 150-   0-   0 

14     voted    to   pafs   over   Jcfsc    frcnch    Rc((ueft   he   being 
over  paid  by  the  scale 
19 


290  The  Old  Records  of  the 

The  meeting  Difolved 

Phinehas  Saw3'er  Ju*;  moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Tf)\vn  Cleark 

A  Greeable  to  a  warrant  Directed  to  the  Selectmen  of 
the  town  of  fitchburg  from  worcefter  by  two  of  the  Juf- 
tices  of  the  Corum  for  the  County  afores''  to  will  &  Re- 
quire them  forth  with  to  Notify  the  free  holders  &  other 
inhabitance  Quallified  by  Law  to  vote  for  a  Regifter  of 
Deeds  for  s*^  County  \  an  article  was  inferted  in  a  Legal 
warrant  from  the  Selectmen  of  s*^  town  for  the  above 
mentioned  purpofes 

the  tow^n  meet  on  Sep*  y*^  \^^  1784  &  Gave  in  their 
votes  for  the  following  Gentlemen  (viz) 

for  Timothy  Pain  Efqr 25  vots 

for  m*"  Jofeph  Stone 4-vbtes 

for  Jofeph   wheelar  Efqr 1-vote 

for  m''  Sam"  Allen 1-vote 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

Phinehas  Hartwell  ;  r      ^•,   ,  , 

J  tor  ritchburg 

(Seal)  Worcefter  fs  to  John  Ferwell  Constable  for  the 
town  of  fitchburg  Greeting  Perfuant  to  a  warrant  to  us 
Directed  from  two  of  the  Juftices  of  the  peace  of  s*^  County 
Quoram  unice  for  the  Choice  of  a  Reg*"  of  Deeds  for  s'^ 
Count\' 

Thefe  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwelth 
of  the  mafsachufetts  to  order  &  Direct  you  fourth  with  to 
Notify  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  by  Law  to  vote  for  the  Choice 
of  Reprefentetives  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting 
houfe  in  fitchburg  on  fryday  the  twentj^  six  Day  of  this 
Inftant  Novembr  at  one  a  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  & 
their  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following 
article  (viz) 

to  Give  in  your  votes  for  a  Reigt^  of  Deeds  for  the 
County  of  worcefter  as  the  Law  Directs 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your    Dowings  there  on   to  some  one  of  us   at  or  before 


Town  of  FitcJiburgh.  291 

the  Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Givin  under  our  hand 
&  Seal  at  Fitchburg  this  twelth  Day  of  November  &  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1784 

Phine**  Hart  well  \  Selectmen  for 
Thomas  Stearns  |     Fitchburg 

at  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  inhabtance  of  the  town  of 
fitchburg  afsembled  on  fryday  the  twenty  Six  Da}'  of  this 
in  Stant  September  1784  and  Gave  in  their  vots  for  the 
following  Gentlemen  (viz) 

timothy  Pain  Efqr 12  vots 

Col"   Clap 2  vots 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

['i58]  Worcefter  fs  To  John  Ferwcll  Conftable  for 
fitchburg    Greeting 

A  Greeable  to  a  warrant  Directed  to  the  select  men  of 
the  town  of  fitchburg  from  two  of  the  Juftices  of  the 
peace  of  s''  County  Quoram  unice  for  the  Choice  of  a  Reg- 
ifter  of  Deeds  for  s''  County 

(seal)  Thefe  are  therefore  in  the  Name  of  the  Com- 
monwealth of  the  Alafsachufetts  to  Require  and  Direct 
you  forthwith  in  Due  numner  and  form  to  Notify  the  free- 
holders &  other  Inhabitance  of  s^'  town  Qualified  by  Law 
to  vote  for  Choice  of  a  Reprefentetive  to  Afsemble  at  the 
meeting  houfe  in  fitchburg  on  munday  the  seventh  Da}'  of 
march  Next  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning  then  & 
there  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following 
article 

l'>  to  Bring  3'our  vots  for  some  Difcrete  sutable  per- 
fon  to  serve  in  the  ofl!ice  of  Regefter  of  Deeds  for  the 
Count}^  of  worcefter  as  the  Law  Directs 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  Hand 
&  seal  at  fitchburg  this  Eighteenth  Da}-  of  this  inftant 
february  «fc  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1785 

Phine'*  Hartwell  1  Selectmen 
Oliver  Stickncy  for 

Thomas  Stearns  J  fitchburg 


292  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Worccfter  fs  In  Obedience  to  this  warrant  I  have 
Notified  and  warned  all  the  free  holders  and  other  of"  the 
inhabitance  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  to  meet  at  the  time 
&  place  within  mentioned  as  the  Law  Directs 

John  Ferwell  Conftable 

Fitchburg  march  ye  7*^''  1785 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitance  of  the  town  of 
fitchburg  Afsembled  March  ye  7*^'  1785 

I'y  voted  for  m''  Samuell  Allen  to  serve  in  the  office  of 
a  Regifter  of  Deeds  for  s^  County  Number  of  votes  for 
Said  Allen  was  twenty 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

Fitchburg  March  y*^  S*'^  1785   whereas  Doc*'' Jonas  mar- 

fhell  Gave  Notice  to  us  the  subscribers  selectmen  for  the 

town  of  fitchburg  of  his   Confenting  to   Come  into  town 

Febuar3^    y^  11*^   1785    one    Samuell    Hill  &  family    from 

Hollifs   in  New    Hamfhire   State  to  Live  on  pirlhill   we  the 

Selectmen  of  s*^  towai  having  taken  into  Confideration  the 

Circumftances  of  the  above  named  Samuell  Hill  &  Jemima 

his   wife  &  Elifabeth  his  Daughter  &  samuell   Hill   his  son 

and  Do  not  admitt  either  of  them  into  town  as  inhabitance 

thereof  in  anj^  wife  or  Give  Lifance  to  them  to  inhabite  in 

s*'  town  But  to  Depart  with  out  Charge  forth  with     .     .     . 

ou-     u       XT     i.      11  1  Selectmen 
Phmehas  Hartwell  [         r 

Oliver  Stickney         J  fitcirburg 

[259]  (Seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  John  Ferwell  Constable 
for  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Greeting  In  the  Name  of  the 
Commonwealth  of  the  Mafsachufetts  you  are  hereby  Re- 
quired to  Notify  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  Agreeable  to  the 
Constetution  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitance  Quali- 
fied thereby  to  vote  for  the  offices  here  after  mentioned  to 
afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  fitchburg  on 
Monday  the  forth  Day  of  april  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock 
in  the  after  Noon  then  &  there  being  Dueh^  meet  &  formed 
to  act  on  the  following  articles 

I'y    to  Give  in  vour  votes  for  a  Governor 


Totvn  of  Fitchbicrgh.  293 

2'y    to  Give  in  your  votes  for  a  Leu*^  Governor 
3'y    to  Give  in  3'our  votes  for  five  Senators 
Hereof  fail  not  and  make   Due  Return  of  this  warrant 
to   some  one  of  us   at   or    before   the    Day   &   time  above 
mentioned  Given   under  our   Hand   &  seal   this  fourteenth 
Day  of  march  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1785 

Phinehas  Hartwell  \  S^^^^ctmen 
*         tor 


Oliver  Sticknev  i  r^  1  , 

j  ntchburg 


Worcefter  fs  in  obedince  to  the  within  written  war- 
rant I  have  Notified  all  the  freeholders  &  other  inhabi- 
tance  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote 
in   town   meetings   to   afsemble  and   meete  at   the   time  & 

place  within  mentioned  ,   ,       ^,  ,,  ^,      ,.    ,  , 

'  John  Ferwcll  Conltable 

Fitchburg  April  y<^  l^t  1785 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabilance  of  the  town  of 
fitchburg  alTembled  april  the  forth  1785  the  following 
Gentlemen  voted  for  as  folio wes  — 

The  Honourable  samuell  Holton  Efqr  For  Governor   .    . 

16-votes 
The  Honorable  Thomas  Cufhing  Efqr  For  Governor  .   . 

6-votes 
The  Honorable  oliver  Prefcott  Efqr  For  Governor    .     . 

4  votes 
The  Honorable  oliver  Prefcott  Efqr  For  Liu*  Governor  . 

18-votes 
The  Honourable  Isarel  Nicholas  Efqr  for  senator     .     . 

16- votes 
The  Honorable  Seth  warfhburn  Efqr  for  senator    .     . 

16-votes 
The  Honorable  Mofes  Gill  Efqr  for  senator    .    16  votes 
The  Honorable  Sam"  Baker  Efqr  for  senator   .    16-vote 
The  Honorable  Jonathan  Warner  Ef(|r  for  senator   .    . 

16  votes 
this  meeting  Difsolved 

Oliver  Stickney     [Selectmen 

Thomas  Stearns  (  t,-^  ?] 

)  l-itchljurg 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


294  The  Old  Records  of  the 

(Seal)  Worcefter  Is  To  John  Perwcll  Constable  for 
fitchburg  Greeting 

thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the 
Mafsachufetts  to  will  &  Require  you  forth  with  to  Notifie 
and  wat-n  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  B^^  Law  to  vote  in  town  meet- 
ings to  Afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  fitch- 
burg on  Munday  the  seventh  Day  of  March  next  at  Nine 
of  the  Clock  in  the  morning  then  &  their  being  Duly  meet 
&  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  to  wit     .... 

1**^    to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'y  to  Choofe  Selectmen  &  other  town  offices  as  the 
Law  Directs  or  act  an}^  thing  in  Regard  to  Choice  of  Col- 
lectors as  they  shall  think  proper 

S'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  accep*^  of  such  Roads  as 
are  Laid  out  by  the  Selectmen  or  there  order 

4'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  Difcontinue  a  Road  for- 
merly Laid  out  on  the  Back  of  peirlhill  or  any  part  there- 
of as  shall  be  thoat  proper  and  accept  of  an  New  one 
Laid  futher  weft  for  the  ufe  of  the  inhabitance  on  Back 
of  faid  hill 

[360]  5^-"^  to  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  mone\'  the 
Town  will  Raife  to  keep  the  Highways  and  Bridges  in 
Repair  the  prefent  year  or  act  any  thing  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

6'y  to  see  what  inftructions  the  town  will  Give  in 
Regard  to  thofe  perfons  that  Have  over  paid  there  Clafs 
Rate  to  the  Collector  that  they  may  have  Credit  for  there 
over  plufs 

7'^  to  see  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  support 
the  poor  that  are  be  Come  Chargeble  to  the  town  or  act 
anything  thereon   as  they  shall  think  proper 

8'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  take  into  Confideration 
the  Great  Bridge  by  the  meeting  Houfe  in  Regard  to  its 
being  New  Covered  &  Repair  the  under  works  if  need  or 
act  any  thing  thereon  af  the}-  shall  think  proper     .     .     . 

9^5"  to  see  if  the  town  will  allow  anj^  accounts  that 
may  be  Laid  before  the  town  for  acceptance  for  service 
Done  for  said  town     .     .     . 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  295 

lO'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  allow  the  swine  to  Go  at 
Large  the  prefent  year  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 

ll'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  take  into  Confideration 
the  Requieft  of  M''  Jacob  upton  and  others  to  see  if  the 
town  will  seet  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Norwcftardly 
part  of  fitchburg  with  there  Lands  and  priveledges  free 
and  Clear  from  s''  fitchburg  to  Joine  the  Extrem  part  of 
weftminifter  with  the  Noreafterdly  part  of  Afhburnham 
to  be  encoproatcd  into  a  town  to  have  town  priveliges 
as  other  towns     .... 

Hereof  fail  not  make  Due  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  one  of  us  with  your  Dowings  thereon  at  or  before 
the  Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hand 
&  seal  this  Eighteenth  Day  of  this  inftant  February  and 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1785 

Phinehas  Hartwell  )  Selectmen 
Oliver  Stickney  J         for 

Thomas  Stearns       1  l^itchburg 


Worcefter  fs  in  obedience  to  the  wnthin  warrant  I  have 

Notifyed   and   warn   all   the  freeholders   and   others  of  the 

inhabitance  of  the  town   of  fitchburg  to  meet  at  the  time 

and  place  within  mentioned  as  the  Law  Directs  I'itchburg 

march  y"^  T"^  1785 

John  Per  well  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitance  of  the  town  of 
fitchburg  aflembled  march  y^"  7^^^  1785 

l'>     voted  &  Choofe  Dea   David   Goodridge  moderator 

2'y  voted  to  Choofe  three  selectmen  for  the  cnfuing 
year 

3'>  voted  &  Choofe  for  selectmen  Phinehas  Hartwell 
Oliver  Stickney  Thomas  Stearns    .     .    Select  men  <Sc  AlTefsors 

4'>'  voted  &  Choofe  the  selectmen  for  Affefsors  the 
prefent  year 

5'y  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk  .  . 
Town  Clerk 

6'y  voted  cS:  Choofe  Phine*"  Hartwell  Town  trcafurer  .  . 
town  trcafurer 


29G  The  Old  Records  of  the 

71.V  voted  &  Choof  Hezckiah  Hodskins  Constable  for 
the  south  side  of  s'*  town Constable 

Hodgskins  Refufe  to  serve  or  Give  any  satiffaction  to 
the  town  there  for  when  notefied 

8'y  voted  &  Choofe  Leu^  Jonathan  Page  Conftable 
for  the  North  side  of  s^  town Conftable 

Jonathan  Page  accepted  his  Choofe  &  Paid  his  ten 
Dollars  for  a  hire  of  Collector  in  his  Room  to  Collect  the 
taxes  the  prefent  year  according  to  a  former  vote 

9'y  voted  &  Choofe  m""  afa  Perrc}^  &  Jofeph  Polley 
wardans  the  prefent  year warden 

lO'y  voted  &  Choofe  m''  Jacob  upton  &  m'  Jonathan 
Ruffell  tythingmen tythingmen 

ll'y  voted  &  Choofe  for  Highways  Surveyours  m*" 
Afa  Perry  m*"  Jacob  upton  m*"  Thomas  Stearns  m*"  Jacob 
Allen  &  m""  Abraham  Ferwell  &  m''  Thomas  Eaton  and 
m''  Johnathan  Ruffell  &  m''  Abraham  Jaquith  &  Jofeph 
Fox  Efqr  &  m""  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju*"  for  the  present 
3^ear Highway  Surve\'Ours 

12'-^  voted  &  Choofe  for  Hog  Reves  m^"  Jacob  fullam 
wilHam   Rider  Berzelel   Gibson Hogreves 

13iy  voted  &  Choofe  m*"  Ebenezer  Thurfton  &  m*" 
Jofhua  Parce  fire  wards fire  wards 

14'y    voted    &    Choofe    m*"  John    Upton    surveyre    of 

Clabords   &  shingles   &   Boards surveyour  of 

Clabords  &  Shingles  &  Boards 

[261]  15'-^  voted  &  Choofe  Cap*  Jonathan  wood 
surveyour  of  Hoops  &  Staves     ....     Hoops  &  Staves 

16'y  voted  &  Choofe  m''  David  Parce  Sealer  of  weights 
&  meafurers sealer  of  weights  and   meafurers 

17^y  voted  &  Choofe  m^  Jacob  Allen  &  m^  Daniel 
Putnam  fence  vewers    . fence  vewers 

18'y  voted  &  Choofe  m""  oliver  Brown  a  sealer  of 
Leather sealer  of  Leather 

19'>'  voted  to  Raife  one  Hundred  &  fifty  pounds  to 
keepe  the  Highways  &  Bridges  in  Repair  the  Prefent  year 
and  the  above  money  to  be  Difpofed  of  in  the  same  man- 
ner for  an  hour  &  for  oxen  &  for  tools  as  was  sect  Laft 
year  the  surveyers  are  Choofen  Collectors  of  the  highway' 
taxes  &  the  tax  to  be  worked  out  the  Laft  Day  of  Novem- 


Town  of  Fitchhirgh.  297 

ber  1785  the  surveyours  to  Give  Legal  &  timely  Notice 
for  the  work  and  that  perfon  that  neglects  to  workt  out 
there  Rate  within  the  time  perfixt  are  expofed  to  pay  there 
money  to  the  Collectors  as  other  Rate  and  the  money  be 
Converted  to  the  use  of  the  Highway  in  the  Deltrict  where 
it  is  Collected 

20'>'  voted  that  the  selectmen  Give  the  trealurer  order 
to  Give  those  perfon  that  over  paid  there  Clafs  Rate  to 
the  Collector  order  to  Recive  the  over  plus  Back  to  Dis- 
charge other  Rates  in  s'^  Collectors  hand  if  any  there  be 

21'y  m*"  Jofeph  Down  Bid  of  mrs  Hart  for  Daniel  Fer- 
well  at  Eight  pounds  twelve  shillings  ])rovided  shee  Lives 
the  year  out  so  in  propotion  if  shee  should  not  Live  the 
year  out    

22'-^  submitt  williams  Girl  Lydea  Bid  of  By  m""  Jofeph 
Phelps  for  two  shillings  a  week  &  find  her  vitling  Lodg- 
ing &  warfhing  &  mending  while  shee  Lives  with  s''  Phelps 

23'-^  voted  &  Choofe  Leu^  Paul  weatherbee  &  Afeph 
Goodridge  &  Elijah  Garfield  a  Committee  to  enfpect  the 
Great  Bridge  in  the  midle  of  the  town  to  see  what  is 
wanting  for  the  Covering  &  Repairing  the  said  Bridge 
and  make  a  Report  cmeadiately   as  soon  as  may  bee    .     . 

the  Ninth  article  in  the  warrant  pafsed  over  &  Dif- 
mifed     .... 

24-'>'  voted  to  Let  the  swine  Go  at  Large  the  ])refent 
3^ear  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 

25'-^'  the  Committee  Report  of  the  Bridge  accepted  & 
pafed  the  following  votes  voted  that  the  Committee  be 
impowered  to  Let  the  Gitting  of  the  Plank  for  the  Cover- 
ing of  the  Bridge  out  at  the  Beft  manner  and  Collect  the 
under  timber  for  the  Repeiring  the  Bridge  that  is  wanting 
at  the  Cheepest  Rate    .... 

26'>'  voted  to  ajourne  this  meeting  with  thofe  articles 
that  are  not  acted  on  to  the  firft  munday  in  April  Next 
at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  a  iter  noone  the  meeting  is 
ajorned  accordinglv 

Phinchas  Hart  well    Clerk 

A])ril  y*^  4^'^  ITSo  the  town  meet  according  to  ajourn- 
ment  and  proeeded  to  the  Buifinefs  of  the  Day 


298  The  Old  Records  of  the 

27'>'  voted  to  Choofe  Collectors  to  Collect  the  taxes 
for  the  prcfent  year  the  Loweft  Bidder  to  be  the  Collector 
with  a  Good  Bondsman  to  the  towns  acceptance     .     .     . 

*28'>'  voted  to  Difcontunere  the  old  Road  that  Leads 
on  the  Back  of  the  pirl  hill  By  where  John  Parkes  Lived 
&  accept  of  a  new  one  in  the  Room  Laid  out  under  the 
hill  to  the  two  Berreys  houfes  the  Land  is  Given  By  s'^ 
owners  &  to  Clear  out  s''  Road  on  there  own  Coft  the 
Difcription  of  s^'  Road  two  Rod  Road  as  folio wes  begin- 
ing  at  the  old  Road  Betwene  m""  Jofeph  Phelps  &  Col" 
Bridges  then  Runs  Northerdly  on  Land  of  Jofeph  Phelps 
as  Near  Col"  Bridges  Line  is  Convenant  for  a  Road  till  it 
Comes  within  aboute  fifteen  Rods  of  Stephen  Pingreys 
Land  then  Runing  Eaft  of  a  Cheftnut  tree  markt  then 
Runing  on  Land  of  m""  Pingrey  Northeaft  of  a  Cheftnut 
tree  marked  then  Runing  eaft  of  a  white  oak  tree  marked 
then  Runing  Eaft  of  a  Black  oak  tree  marked  then  Run- 
ing Northerly  on  Land  of  Nathaniel  Berry  Eaft  of  a 
Rock  maple  tree  marked  then  Runing  Eaft  of  a  white 
oack  tree  marked  then  Runing  Eaft  of  a  white  pine  tree 
mark,t  then  Runing  Eaft  of  a  Rock  maple  tree  marked 
on  Land  of  samuell  Berry  then  Runing  Eaft  of  said  Ber- 
rey  houfe  Northerh'  till  it  Comes  to  Land  of  Jonathan 
Lemons  the  Land  all  Given  B\'  the  owners  where  the  Road 
Runs  and  this  Road  is  in  Lue  of  the  Road  that  was  Laid 
out  and  Led  By  where  John  Parks  Lived  the  Road  accepted 
B\'  the  town  so  far  as  Laid  out  &  Given 

Tofenh  Phelns         ^  Committed  appointed 
joiepn  r helps        y       -g     ^^^^^  ^^  ^^^ 

Stephen  Pingrey    j  selectmen 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 
Fitchburg  P'ebruary  y^  IS^b  1785 

[262]  29'y  The  vote  was  Put  to  see  if  the  town  of 
fitchburg  would  vote  of  the  Northwefterdly  Corner  of 
said  town  of  fitchburg  according  to  there  Plan  Laid 
before  the  town  annexed  to  there  Requeft  the  Requeft 
Legally  in  Certed  in  a  warrant  for  the  above  purpofe  and 
it  pafsed  in  the  Negative 

*Now    known    as    Marshall    Road.     [Annotation    on    the    margin. 
W.  A.  D.] 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  299 

the  meeting  ajourned  to  Efqr  Cowdens  Houfe  for  one 
half  hour  the  town  meet  on  ajournment  at  said  houfe  & 
proceded  as  folio  wes 

80'-^'  voted  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  Eighth 
Day  of  this  inftant  april  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after 
Noon  at  the  meeting  Houfe  the  meeting  is  accordingly 
ajourned 

April  3'*^  8*?^  1785  the  town  meet  according  to  ad- 
journment &  proceded  to  the  buillnefs  of  the  Day 

31*^*  voted  to  Difmifs  Deacon  David  Goodridge  as  Mod- 
erator he  being  not  able  to  i)erform  the  Buifenefs  in  hand 
Deacon  David  (.oodridge  moderator 

voted  &  Choofe  mr  Afa  Perry  Moderator  in  the  Room 
of  Deacon  Goodridge  to  to  Govern  s''  meeting 

32^y  voted  to  adjourne  meeting  Down  to  the  houfe  of 
Cap*  Cowden  for  five  minuts  the  town  meet  on  the 
ajurnement  at  the  houfe  and  proceeded  to  the  Buifenefs  in 
hand 

33'-^  voted  to  Choofe  a  Collector  on  the  south  side  of 
s'^  town  first  \  the  Laft  bid  Lies  on  m""  David  Pratt  at 
Nineteen  Dollars  on  the  hundred  pound  for  Collecting 

34'-^'  voted  to  try  the  North  side  of  s''  town  for  a 
Collector  the  Bid  Lies  on  m""  John  Shiple  at  Nineteen  Dol- 
lars &  1/2  on  the  hundred  pound  voted  and  accepted  of 
D''  Jonas  marfhell  as  a  Bondsman  for  m"^  Shiple  to  serve 
Collector 

35'>'  voted  to  accept  of  Thomas  Stearns  as  Bondsman 
for  m''  said  David  pratt  to  serve  Collector 

36'y  voted  to  adjourne  this  meeting  to  tuefday  the 
twelveth  Day  of  this  inftant  April  the  meeting  is  accord- 
ingly ajourned     .... 

April  y"-"  12*^^  1785  the  town  meet  according  to  the 
adjournment  &  proceeded  to  the  Buifenefs  of  the  Day  m"" 
John  Shiple  &  m""  David  pratt  Gave  Liberty  to  have  the 
town  try  for  a  New  Bid  for  a  Collector  on  each  side  of  s'' 
town  to  Collect  the  taxes  the  ])refcnt  year 

37'y  voted  to  journe  Down  to  tlie  houfe  of  Ef(|''  Cow- 
dens for  five  minuts  the  town  meet  according  to  ajourne- 
ment  &  proceeded  to  the  buifenefs  in  himd     .     .     . 


300  The  Old  Records  of  the 

38'y  voted  to  try  for  a  Collector  on  the  North  side  of 
s*^  town  the  Laft  bidd  Lies  on  ni*"  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju*"  at 
seventeen  Dollars  &  H  on  the  hundred  pounds  so  in  pro- 
potion  for  a  Leffor  or  Greater  sum  for  Collecting  the 
taxses 

39'>'  voted  to  accept  of  m""  Elijah  Garfield  to  be  Bonds- 
man for  m*"  Phinehas  sawyer  Ju*"  for  him  to  serve  Collector 
for  the  North  side  of  the  town  for  the  year  1785  —  for  the 
faithfull  Difcharge  of  his  Duety  in  office 

30^^'  voted  to  try  for  a  Collector  on  the  south  side  of 
said  town  the  Laft  bid  Lies  on  m'  Afa  Perry  at  seventeen 
Dollars  &  V^  on  the  hundred  pound  for  Collecting  the 
taxes  so  in  propotion  for  a  Leffor  or  Greator  sum  for  the 
south  side  of  the  town  for  the  year  1785 

31***^  voted  to  accept  of  m''  Thomas  Stearns  to  be 
Bondsman  for  m^  Afa  Perry  for  him  to  serve  Collector  for 
the  south  side  of  said  town  for  the  faithfull  Difcharge  of 
his  Dut3^  in  ofiice 

32'y    voted  this  meeting  be  Difsolved 

Afa  Perre}^     .     .     .     Moderator 

Fitchburg  march  y*^  1^*  1785 

Laid  out  by  us  the  subscribers  for  Noah  wifsall  a  two 
Rod  Road  begining  at  the  County  Road  betwene  Kendal 
Boutells  and  David  Goodell  through  a  part  of  Efqr  Cow- 
dens  Land  to  the  proprietors  Land  and  through  the  pro- 
prietors Land  to  Land  of  Cap^  Nethaniel  wright  and 
through  s'^  Rights  Land  a  south  wefterdly  point  to  the 
town  Line  and  marked  the  trees  on  the  Northwefterly 
side  of  s'^  Road    this  Road  accepted  so  far  as  Given 

Kendall  Boutell  1  ^  ., ,  ,   j 

T>,  04-  I  Committee  apponted 

1  nomas  btearns  >      ^      .^      o  i     f 
^T     1        -c     11        I       Bv  the  belectmen 
Noah  wilwell        j 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 


[203]  (seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  John  Per  well  Consta- 
ble for  the  town  of  fitchburg  Greeting  By  a  Legal  Re- 
queft  from  the  inhabitance  of  the  weft  part  of  the  town 
to  us  the  subcribers     .... 


Town  of  FitcJiburgJi.  301 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the 
maflachufetts  to  will  &  Require  you  forthwith  to  Notify 
&  warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  B\'  Law  to  vote  in  town 
meetings  to  aflemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  on 
munday  the  second  Day  of  may  Next  at  one  of  the  Cloek 
in  the  afternoon  then  cS,:  there  being  Duly  meet  &  formed 
to  act  on  the  following  articles  to  wit 

1^*    to  Choofe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting 

2'-^'  to  see  if  the  town  of  fitchburg  wmII  Receive  about 
a  mile  or  more  in  weadth  of  Land  with  the  inhabitance 
thereon  of  the  Northerdly  jiart  of  the  town  of  weftminif- 
ter  Bounding  on  the  Northwefterdly  part  of  fitchburg  to 
Be  annexed  thereto  to  be  Convened  with  others  of  the 
inhabitance  of  s''  town  for  the  publick  worfhiji  of  God 
and  to  be  vefted  with  all  other  Privelidges  with  said 
town  in  publick  matters  to  Jo^'n  with  the  Inhabitance  of 
s''  fitchburg  to  Build  a  meeting  Houfe  on  m'^  Ezra  uptons 
Land  By  the  County  Road  near  or  aganst  the  end  of  the 
Road  that  Leads  from  m*"  John  Carters  to  the  County 
Road  ...  or  act  any  thing  Referring  thereto  as  they 
shall  think  proper     .... 

3'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  Grant  Leave  for  the  Delin- 
quents of  the  Highway  tax  for  the  year  1784  which  by  a 
former  vote  was  to  be  aded  to  the  town  Rate  and  see  if 
the  town  will  Grant  Leave  to  have  the  Remaining  part  of 
said  tax  which  is  Jinnexed  to  the  town  Bill  to  be  taken  of 
and  aded  to  the  Lift  of  the  prefent  surveyours  to  be  Col- 
lected or  worked  out  fourthwith  or  act  any  thing  there 
on  as  they  shall  think  ])roper 

4'-^'  to  see  if  the  town  will  .Xuthorize  or  inipowcr  the 
selectmen  to  Give  securitys  on  the  towns  behalf  tor  the 
towns  Debts  &  indemnify  them  from  all  sutes  of  Law 
that  may  a  rife  on  former  security  Given  By  the  selectmen 
in  behalf  of  said  town  heretofore  and  Difcharge  the  same 
to  final  Judgment 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Due  Return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  Dav  and  time  above  mentioned 


302  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Given  under  our  Hand  &  seal  at  fitchhurg  this 
Eighteenth  Day  of  this  inftant  april  and  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1785 

Phinehas  Hartwell  I     Selectmen 
Oliver  Stickney         j  for  fitchhurg 


Worcefter  fs  in  obediance  to  the  within  warrant  I  have 
Notified    and    warned    all    the  freeholders   &   other   of   the 
inhabitance  of  the  towne  of  fitchhurg  to  meet  at  the  time 
and  Place  within  mentioned  as  the  Law  Directs 
Fitchhurg  May  y'^  2"'^  1785 

John  Ferwell  Constable 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


[204:]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchhurg  affembled  on  monda^'-  the  second  Day 
of  may  1785     ....     the  meeting  being  opned     .... 

1st  ly  voted  &  Choofe  M^  Daniel  Putnam  Moderator  to 
Govern  s*^  meeting 

2'y  voted  to  Difmifs  the  second  article  in  the  warrant 
in  Regard  to  taking  on  a  mile  of  the  town  of  wefteminster 
to  he  annexed  to  fitchhurg  according  to  a  Requeft  of  a 
number  of  the  inhabitance  of  the  weft  part  of  fitchhurg 

3'-^'  voted  to  the  Delinquents  that  was  not  worked 
out  in  Laft  year  Highwa3'  tax  for  the  year  1784  that  was 
aded  on  the  town  hill  and  &  add  it  to  the  prefent  High- 
way survej'ours  Lifts  to  he  worked  out  emeadiately 
or  the  money  Collected  &  put  to  the  ufe  of  mending  of 
the  Road 

4'y  voted  to  accept  of  the  fourth  article  as  it  Now 
stands  in  the  warrant 

voted  to  authorize  &  impower  the  selectmen  to  Give 
security  on  the  towns  Behalf  for  the  towns  Debts  and  in- 
demnify them  from  all  sutes  of  Law  that  may  arife  on 
former  securit^-es  Given  by  the  selectmen  in  behalf  of  said 
town  heretofore  and  Difcharge  the  same  to  final  Judgment 

this  meeting  Difsolved 

Daniel  Putnam  Moderator 
I^hinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


Toxvti  of  Fitchbiirgh.  303 

(seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  John  Ferwell  Constable  for  the 
town  of  fitchbur^  for  the  County  aforesaid Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Common  wealth  of  the 
Mafsachufetts  to  will  &  Require  you  fourthwith  to  Notify 
by  verble  Notice  in  an  open  town  meeting  the  inhabitance 
of  the  town  of  fitchburg  Qulified  By  Law  to  vote  in  town 
meeting  to  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  said  town  at  four 
O  Clock  this  second  Day  of  may  in  the  after  noon  to  act 
on  the  following  article  viz 

l'-""     to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'^  to  see  if  the  town  will  take  into  Confideration  the 
Circuller  Letter  sent  from  Leominster  or  act  any  thing 
there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper     .     .     . 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  one  of  us  on  or  before  the  time  afore  mentioned 
Given  under  our  hand  &  seal  this  second  Day  of  may  1785 

Oliver  Stickney    \     Selectmen 
Thomas  stearns  j  for  fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs    May  y^  2"^  1785 

In  obedince  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notified  & 
warnd  the  freeholders  and  other  of  tlic  inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  by  Law  to  vote  in  town  meet- 
ings to  meet  at  time  and  place  within  mentioned 

John  Ferwell   Conftable 

[*-i(>o]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  afl'embled  on  monday  the  second  Day  of 
this  inftant  may  1785  at  four  of  the  Clock  P.  M.  to  take 
into  Confideration  a  Circuller  Letter  from  Lcoininftcr  for 
forming  a  New  County 

1'^     voted  &  Choofe  m"^  Daniel  Putnam  Moderator 

2'>'  voted  to  Choofe  three  as  a  Committee  to  meet 
the  other  Neighbouring  towns  at  Lanlord  Whitneys  Inn- 
holders  in  Lunenburg  on  the  Nineteenth  Day  of  this  inftant 
may  to  Confult  matters  Relative  to  forming  a  New  County 

3'-^  voted  (S:  Choofe  the  following  Gentlemen  viz 
Thomas  Cowden  lilfip-  I)'  Jonns  Marfhell  M""  Elijah  (lar- 
field  to  meet  the  other  towns  in  a  C(Mifultation  for  the 
above  porpofe 


304  The  Old  Records  of  the 

the  tncctiiig  Difsovcd 

Daniel  Putnum  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

(Seal)  Worccfter  fs  To  John  Ferwell  Constable  for  the 
town  of  fitchbur<2^  for  s''  County  Greeting  Thefe  are  in  the 
Name  of  the  Commonweath  of  the  maffachufetts  to  will 
&  Require  you  forthwith  to  Notify  all  the  male  Inhabitance 
of  fitchburg  of  twenty  one  3'ears  of  age  &  upward  having 
a  freehould  Eftate  within  said  town  of  the  annuel  income 
of  three  pounds  or  any  Eftate  of  the  value  of  sixty  pounds 
to  affemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  fitchburg  on 
fry  day  the  thirteenth  Day  of  may  Next  at  one  of  the 
Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  &  there  being  Duly  meet  & 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  article  to  wit 

I'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  Elect  &  Depute  any  perfon 
to  serve  for  &  Reprefent  them  in  the  Great  &  General 
Court  or  affembley  to  be  held  in  this  Commonweath  on 
the  Laft  wednefs  day  in  may  A  Greeable  to  the  Conftitu- 
tion  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
3'our  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hand  & 
seal  at  fitchburg   this  twenty  Ninth  Da\^  of  april  &  in  the 

3'ear  of  our  Lord  1785 

Phin**  Hartwell  \  Select  men  for 
Oliver  Stickne^^  \      fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs  in  obediance  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  Notified  &  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other 
inhabitance  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  Qulified  By  Law  to 
vote  for  a   Reprefentetive    to    meet    at    the    time  &   place 

within  mentioned 

John  Ferwell   Conftable 

Fitchburg  may  y"  13**^  1785 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  town 
of  fitchburg  aiTembled  on  fryday  the  thirteen  Da\-  of  this 
inftant  may  1785  the  meeting  opned  &  the  motion  put 
to  see  if  the  town   will  send  a  Reprefentetive  to  Reprefent 


Toiuii  of  Fitchbiirgh.  305 

the  town   the  prelent  year  &  the   vote  Called  &  it  pafsed 
in  the  Negetive 

thee  meeting  Difsolved 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


[2C>()]  (seal)  Worcefter  is  To  John  Ferwell  Constable 
for  the  town  of  fitchburg  for  the  year  1785     .     .     Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the 
Masfachuletts  to  will  and  Require  you  forthwith  to  Notify 
&  warn  all  the  free  holders  &  other  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  B^^  Law  to  vote  in  town  meet- 
ings to  aflemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  fitchburg 
on  thursda}'  the  fifteenth  Day  of  September  at  one  of  the 
Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  there  being  Duh'  meet  & 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  to  wit 

1=*'    to  Choofe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting    .     . 

2'y  to  Raife  money  to  support  the  Revn^'  mr  pa^-fon 
the  prefent  3'ear 

3'y  to  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  money  shall  be  Raifed 
to  support  the  schools  and  to  see  what  way  it  shall  be 
Laid  out  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think 
proper    

4'y  to  Raife  money  to  support  mi**  hart  &  the  other 
poor  that  is  become  Chargeble  to  s''  town  or  act  any  thing 
thereon  as  the  Shall  think  proper 

5'y  to  see  what  method  the  town  will  take  to  Gitt 
m''  paysons  wood  the  prefent  year  or  act  an^'  thing  there- 
on as  they  shall  think  proper 

6'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  allow  such  accounts  as  are 
Laid  before  them  for  service  Done  for  s'^  town 

7'y  to  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  money  the  town 
shall  Raife  to  Defray  there  Necefsary  Charges  the  prefent 
year  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think   proper 

8'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  abate  any  perfons  Rates 
in  any  of  the  Collectors  or  Constables  Lift  that  Cant  be 
Collected     .... 

9'>'  to  see  if  the  town  will  Choofe  a  Saxon  to  take 
Care  of  the  meeting  Houle  and  Dig  Graves  or  act  any 
thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper 


306  The  Old  Records  of  the 

!()'>'  to  sec  if  the  town  will  Chol'e  a  Committee  to 
Repaire  the  meeting  Houfe  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as 
they  shall  think  projjcr     .... 

ll'y  to  see  if  the  town  will  fence  the  I'uring  place  or 
act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Do  wings  thereon  on  or  before  said  Day  Given  under 
our  Hand  &  seal  this  first  Day  of  September  &  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  A  D.  1785 

Oliver  Stickney     \  Select  men  for 
Thomas  Stearns  \      fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs    sep*  y^  14*^  1785 

In  obedience  to  the  with  in  warrant  I  have  Notified 
and  warned  all  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in  town 
meetings  to  Afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  in 
fitchburg  on  the  fifteenth  Da}'  of  this  Inftant  September 

John  Ferw^ell  Constable 

[367]  At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the 
town  of  fitchburg  afsembled  sep*m^  y'^  15^^^  1785 

]^st    voted  &  Choofe  m""  Daniel  Putnam  moderator 

2'^  voted  to  Raife  66-13-4  to  support  the  Revn^  M»- 
Payfon  the  prefent  year £66—13-   4 

3'y  voted  to  Raife  fortj--  five  pounds  to  support  the 
school  the  present  year 45—  0—  0 

4'y  voted  to  hire  a  Grammer  school  mafter  for  the 
town  the  said  Gammer  school  to  be  keep*  four  months  & 
each  Quarter  to  have  there  mounth  the  said  Gramer  school 
to  begin  in  town  Before  December  next 

5'y  voted  that  the  Remaining  part  of  the  money  to  be 
school  out  in  each  Divition  as  ufal 

6'y  voted  to  Choofe  six  as  a  Committee  to  provide 
schooling  in  each  part  of  said  town  viz  Thomas  Cowdcn 
Efq*"  m*"  Reuben  smith  Liu*  John  putnum  m'' Jofeph  Downe 
m""  John  Goodridge  Doct  Jonas  marfhall 

yiy  voted  to  Raife  money  to  pa^^  m""  Daniel  Ferwell  for 
supporting  mi'^  hart  one  whole  A'car  Eight  pounds  twelve 
shilHngs ' 8-12-  0 


Toivn  of  FitcJibiirgJi.  307 

8'y  voted  to  Raife  money  to  pay  m''  Jofeph  Phelps  for 
keeping  Lydea  williams  one  whole  year  at  2/  a  week  five 
pound  four  shilHngs 5—4-0 

9iy  voted  to  Lett  m''  Payson  wood  out  at  the  Loweft 
bidder  the  artiele   being   ajourned   for  the  prefcnt     .... 

lO'y  voted  to  Raife  the  money  to  pav  AP  WilHam 
Hafkells  aceount  for  bording  Lydea  wiHiams  20  week    .    . 

3-  0-  0 

ll'y  voted  to  Raife  the  money  to  pay  m*"  oliver  stick- 
neys  aecomp^^  for  service  Done  as  an  afiefsor  &  other  mat- 
ters two  pound  Ivleven  shillings  6''  two  acc*^  in   .   2—11—  6 

12'>"  voted  to  Raife  mone}'  to  pay  Phinehas  Hartwell 
accounts  which  is  four  pound  six  shillings  &  Eight  pence 
for  service  Done  as  an  Affefsor,  &  other  matters   .4—6—8 

13'-''  voted  to  Raife  money  to  pav  John  Ferwell  his 
accomp^  to   sherley   with  a  warrant 0-6—4 

14  voted  that  thofe  perfons  that  have  Don  service  for 
the  Town  Lay  there  accomp*^"*  before  the  selectmen  to  be 
agread  on  &  allowed  before  the  meeting  for  Granting 
money  to  Difcharge  the  same  and  alfo  the  Collectors  or 
Constables  in  any  abatements  on  there  Rate  Bills  are  to 
be  a  bated  By  the  aflefsors  for  the  futere 

15'y  voted  to  allow  Thomas  starnes  account  as  an 
Affefsor  &  other  matters  &  Raife  the  money  for  the  same   .    . 

2-17-10 

16'y  voted  to  pafs  over  the  seventh  article  for  the 
Raifing  of  the  whole  sum  of  money  to  the  ajournment  till 
all  the  accounts  are  brought  in  and  setled  for  service  Done 
for  said  town 

17'y  voted  to  Choofe  m"'  Ephraim  Kimball  saxon  and 
to  Dig  the  Graves  for  the  town  for  the  future 

18'>  voted  that  the  selectmen  Rej^air  the  meeting 
houfe  fourthwith  as  soon  as  ma}'  bee 

19'y  voted  that  the  Buring  Place  be  Bounded  out  with 
Corners  sett  up  and  fenced  in 

20'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  of  three  men  to 
agree  on  the  l)()unds  tSc  set  them  uj)  and  rdfo  fence  said 
Buring  Place  viz  Jofeph  Pox  Ef(|'  Lu^  Paul  weatherbe  and 
M'   David  Pratt  to  Confifl  of  said  Committee     .     .     . 


308  The  Old  Records  of  the 

2\^^  voted  to  ajourn  this  meeting  Down  to  the  house 
of  lifcj''  Cowdens  for  one  half  hour  then  the  town  pro- 
ceeded as  ibllowes  vandued  of  m''  paysons  wood  to  John 
ferwell  the  Lowest  bider 

22ndiy  voted  to  allow  M'  John  ferwell  five  pound 
Eighteen  shillings  to  provide  theirt^'  Cord  of  Good  wood 
at  m''  paysons  Dore  to  ni""  paysons  acceptance  .  5—18-  0 
and  Raifed  the  mone}-  for  the  same 

Caried  forward  the  proceedings  next  page 

['^(58]  23'y  voted  to  ajourn  this  meeting  to  wednefs 
Day  the  twenty  Eight  Day  of  this  Inftant  September  at 
one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  at  the  meeting  houfe 
the  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

September  28*^^  1785  the  Town  meet  on  the  ajourn- 
ment  the  meeting  being  opned  then  proceded  as  follows 

24'y  voted  to  Raife  the  money  to  pay  the  Committee 
appointed  for  Repairing  the  Great  Bridge  and  thofe  per- 
fons  that  ware  imployed  in  Gifting  plank  &  Labour  Done 
with  other  Necefsary  articles  of  timber  &  string  peaces  for 
s*^  Bridge  the  account  to  the  Committee  amounting  to 
thirteen  pound  Eighteen  shillings  as  a  Committee     .     .     . 

13-18-0 

voted  m*"  Elijah  Garfield  accomp*^  exclufive  the  other  ac- 
count above  mentioned  for  service  Done  at  y*^  Great  Bridg 
Collecting  workmen  &  his  own  Labour  with  two  Day 
attending  at  Lunenburg  on  the  Committee  for  Erecting  a 
new   County   which   sum  is 2—10—8 

voted  m*"  Ebenezer  Thurftons  accomp*  for  service  Don 
at  the  Great  Bridge  imployed  By  the  selectmen  in  the  A'car 
1783  which  sum  is 1-  1-8 

voted  m^  John  Thurston  Ju''  accomp*  for  bording  oliver 
Harrice  six  weeks  while  sent  to  school  2/  ^  week  the 
town  poor 0-12-0 

voted  m*"  oliver  Stickney  account  for  three  Days  mak- 
ing highwa^^  taxes  in  april  Exclusive  the  other  account 
before  mentioned  which  sum  is 0-  9-0 

voted  m'  Ephraim  Osburn  account  for  Labour  at  the 
Great  Bridge  in  the  ^ear  1 783  which  was  not  before 
allowed  which  sum  is 0—  5—4 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  309 

voted  m''  Abner  Sa\v\'er  acc^  for  Labour  at  the  Great 
Bridge  in  the  year  1783  for  five  Day  &  oxen  &  wheels 
one  Day pd       0-14-0  pd 

voted  Thomas  Cowden  Efq""  account  for  service  for  the 
town  at  worcefter  &  at  Bofton  on  account  of  a  fine  & 
sweeping  y'^^  meeting  houfe  one  whole  year  &  other  mat- 
ters with  mitt  Williams   being   Carred  out  of  town     .     .     . 

3-11-8 

voted  Efq*"  Foxes  account  for  Rum  &  Suger  at  the 
Raifing  of  the  Great   Bridge   1783 0-  7-0 

voted  &  Raife  two  Hundred  and  sixty  Eight  pounds 
six  shillings  &  six  pence  to  Defra}'  Xeccfsary  Charges  that 
have  arifen  b}'  Notes  &  other  Dues  above  mentioned  to  be 
paid  into  y*^  treafure  including  what  was  to  Raife  at  the 
fifteenth  of  sepember  1785  at  the  firft  opening  of  the 
meeting  which  is  one  hundred  &  forty  four  ])Ounds  Eleven 
shillings  &  two  pence  together  with  the  whole  sum  men- 
tioned Difcharging  of  Necefsary  Charges  the  whole  amount- 
ing to     268-  6-6 

25'>'  voted  that  the  Committee  appointed  for  fencing 
the  Buring  ^-^ard  Caufe  the  same  to  be  fenced  as  they  shall 
think  proper  for  the  Beft  Intreft  of  the  Town     .     .     . 

26'y    voted  this  meeting  to  be  Difsolved 

Daniel  Putnam  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


[209]  (seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  M'"  John  I-Y-rwell  Con- 
stable for  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Greeting 

Thefe  are  In  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the 
Maflachufetts  to  will  «&  Require  3'ou  forthwith  to  Notifie 
&  warn  all  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitance  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  aiVemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in 
fitchburg  on  mundaN'  the  sixth  Day  of  march  Next  at  ten 
of  the  Clock  in  the  fore  noon  then  &  there  being  Duly  meet 
&  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  to  witt 

firft  —  to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to   Govern  s*'  meeting 

2'>'  to  Choofe  selectmen  &  other  Town  olTcrcies  as  the 
Law  Directs 


310  The  Old  Records  of  the 

3'y  to  Clioofe  Collectors  to  Collect  the  Publick  taxes 
or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  thc}^  shall  think  porper 

4'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  accept  of  an^'  Roads  that 
are  Laid  out  By  the  selectmen  or  there  order     .     .     . 

5'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Difcontinue  any  Road  or 
Roads  which  shall  be  Laid  before  the  Town  or  act  any 
thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper 

6'y  to  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  money  the  Town  will 
Raife  to  keep  the  Highways  &  Bridges  in'Repair  the  pref- 
ent  year  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think 
proper 

7'y  to  see  what  method  the  Town  will  Take  to  support 
the  poor  that  are  become  Chargeble  to  the  town  or  act 
any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper     .     .     . 

8'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  allow  the  swine  to  Go  at 
Large  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 

9'^  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  Committee  to 
settle  with  M''  Jacob  upton  with  Regard  to  his  money 
which  he  saith  he  Lent  to  the  Town  or  act  any  thing 
there  on  as  the\'  shall  think  proper 

lO'y  to  see  what  the  Town  will  Do  in  Regard  to  M"" 
Nathan  Badcocks  Road  being  Shut  up  which  was  formerly 
Laid  from  s"^  Badcocks  Land  betwene  Lev*  Jonathan  Pages 
Land  &  m^  WE  Harkell  Land  to  the  other  Road  or  act 
any  thing  there  on  as  thej^  shall  think  proper    .     .     . 

11'^  to  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  an3'  thing  with 
Regard  to  altering  the  sects  in  the  meeting  Houfe  for  the 
ufe  of  the  singers  agreeable  to  a  Requft  of  a  Number  of 
the  Inhabitance  of  s^  town 

12'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  that  the  Reven'^  M*" 
Payson  to  have  Liberty  to  Preach  at  the  weftardly  part 
of  the  Town  any  Part  of  the  Time  in  the  year  or  act  an3' 
thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper 

13^y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  abate  one  Alinifter  tax  of 
M*"  Thomas  Parlmer  in  Daniel  Ferwell  Lift  or  act  anj' 
thing  there  on  as  they  shall   think  proper  for  1780     .     .     . 

Here  of  faile  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before 
said  Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  Hands 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  311 

&  seal  this   Thirteenth   Day  of  this  instant  february  &  in 

the  3'ear  of  our  Lord  1786 

Oliver  Stickney    (    Select  men 
Thomas  Stearns  j  for  fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs    In  obidence  to  the  within  warrant  I  have 

Notified  &  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  of  the  In- 

habitance  of  the  Town  of  fitchbur<;  Qulified    By   Law   to 

vote  in  town   meetings  to  aflemble  &  meet  at  the  Time  & 

Place  within  mentioned 

John  Ferwell  Constable. 

Fitchburg  March  y^  G^h  1786 

[27()J  att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  alTembled  march  y'^  6**^  1786  the  meet- 
ing Being  opned  and  Proceeded  as  follows     .... 

first  voted  &  Choofe  M''  Daniel  Putnam  Moderator 
to  Govern  s'^  meeting moderator 

2'y  voted  to  Choofe  three  selectmen  to  serve  for  the 
prefent  year 

3'-^  voted  &  Choofe  M*-  Daniel  Putnam  &  Thomas 
Stearns  &  Leu*^  Paul   Weatherbee selectmen 

4'y    voted  to  Choofe  three  affelVors  for  the  prefent  3'ear 

5'>  voted  &  Choofe  m""  Daniel  Putnam  (S:  m''  Thomas 
Stearns   &   Lev*^   Paul   weatherbee ailelfors 

6'y  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hart  well  Town  Clerk  .  . 
Clerk 

7'-^'  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Treaf- 
urer Town  Treafurer 

8'>-     voted     &    Choofe     M*"    Oliver    stickney] 
Constable  for  the  south  side  of  s*^  Town 

!)'>■     voted  &  Choofe  W  Amos  ordway  Con- 
stable for  the  North  side  of  s''  Town 

10'-^'  voted  to  excufe  M*"  Oliver  stickney  in  serving  as 
Collector  to  Collect  the  Publick  taxes  for  the  ])refcnt  year 
for  his  paying  in  his  ten  Dollars  hard  money  into  the 
Town  as  the  Towns  property 

ll'y  voted  to  Choofe  two  wardens  for  the  prefent 
year  viz  m"^  Phinehas  Sawyer  Ju"^  <S:  m"^  John  I\'rwell  .  . 
wardans 


Constable 


312  The  Old  Records  of  the 

12'>'  voted  &  Choofe  M'' Jofeph  simons  &  Cap*^  Thomas 
Hartwell  as  Tythingmen Tythingmen 

13'y  voted  &  Choofe  Ar  John  Goodridge  &  M*"  Heze- 
kiah  Hodgskins  &  M*"  John  Ferwell  &  M""  Rlancy  Phillips 
M*"  Phinehas  Brown  M*"  Abraham  willard  Jofeph  Polley 
Elijah  Garfield  Jacob  Gibson  &  M*"  Abraham  Jaquith  .  . 
surveyours  of  Highways  &  Collectors  for  the  same 

14'y  voted  &  Choofe  M'-  Thomas  Hilton  &  M-"  Jefse 
French  &  SamU  Berry Hogreves 

15  voted  &  Choofe  Jofhua  Parce  &  Phinehas  Browns 
fire  wards fire  wards 

16  voted  &  Choofe  John  upton  suryeours  of  shingles 
&  Clabords  &  Boards     .     .     shingles  &  Clabords  suryeour 

17^y  voted  &  Choofe  Cap*  Jonathan  wood  suryeor  of 
Hoops  &  staves     ....    surveyour  of  Hoops  &  staves 

18'y  voted  &  Choofe  M-"  Afa  Perrey  &  M""  Jacob  Upton 
fence  vewers fence   vewers 

lO'y  voted  &  Choofe  M*^  David  Parce  sealer  of  weights 
&  meafurers sealer  of  weights  &  measurers 

20iy  voted  &  Choofe  M""  Oliver  Browm  a  sealer  of 
Leather sealer  of  Leather 

21  voted  to  pafs  over  the  Third  article  in  the  warrant 
in  Regard  to  Choofing  Collectors  at  the  Prefent  or  till  the 
meeting  on  the  adjournment 

22'y  voted  to  accept  of  a  two  Rod  Road  Laid  out  By 
the  select  men  By  the  Requeft  of  W  Abraham  Willard  the 
said  willard  Engages  the  Land  Given  for  said  Road  Begin- 
ing  at  s*^  willard  Dwelling  Houfe  Runing  Eaftardly  through 
the  Lot  of  Land  formerly  owmed  By  Cap*  samuell  ward 
&  others  to  the  south  weft  Corner  of  the  widow  whit 
Combs  Land  so  Called  to  the  Rode  Leading  to  M""  Reubens 
Smiths  the  above  mentioned  Road  to  be  a  Bridle  Road  the 
treefe  marked  principle  on  the  North  side  of  said  Rode 
Laid  out  By  the  Select  men  By  the  Requeft  of  M''  Abraham 
Willard  February  14*i>  1786 

Phinehas  Hartwell  \ 
See  page  116  for  same  OHver  Stickney         j  Committee 

Abraham  wallard     J 

[271]  23iy  voted  to  accept  of  a  Two  Rod  Road 
Newly  Laid  out  Begining  on  the  North  end  of  oak  Hill 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  313 

Runing  v^O  Rods  on  the  Land  of  Daniel  t'erwell  to  the 
Land  of  samuell  Harrice  then  on  said  Harrices  Land  till 
it  Comes  out  By  said  Harrices  Houfe  the  Land  Given 
By  the  owners  of  said  Lands  the  old  Road  is  to  be  Dif- 
continued  when  the  New  Road  is  made  pafable  this  Road 
Laid  out  by  order  of  the  selectmen  March  y*'  'cV^  1786 
Jofeph  Downe  saniU  Harrice  impowered 

24^y  voted  to  Raifed  one  Hundred  &  fifty  pounds  to 
keepe  the  Highways  &  Bridges  in  Repair  the  prefent 
year £150-0-0 

25'y  voted  that  the  money  Raifed  for  the  Highway  Be 
worked  out  in  the  same  manner  as  was  voted  Laft  year 
in  Regard  to  the  Hour  &  the  ox  Labour  &  tools  for  the 
service  the  prefent  year  at  the  highways     .... 

26'>'  voted  &  Choofe  the  Highway  surveyours  Col- 
lectors to  Collect  the  tax  that  are  not  worked  out  &  see 
it  is  put  to  the  ufe  of  the  highway  service  work     .... 

27'y  voted  that  the  Loweft  Bidder  shall  be  intitled 
the  priveledge  of  keeping  the  poor  on  the  towns  Coft 
Either  by  the  week  or  the  year    .... 

28'^'  voted  to  Give  m*"  Daniel  Ferwell  ten  pounds  six 
shillings  to  keepe  mi'*  Hart  for  one  whole  ^-ear  so  in  pro- 
potion  if  shee  should  not  Live  the  year  out   .    .   £10-6-  0-0 

29'y  voted  to  Give  M"-  Jofeph  Phelps  one  Shilling  & 
ten  pence  per  week  for  the  Boarding  and  Lodging  Lydea 
Williams   the    towns    poor £0—1—10— 

30**^  voted  that  the  swine  Go  at  Large  the  prefent 
year  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 

31^*  voted  to  Choofe  three  men  as  a  Committee  to 
settle  with  M''  Jacob  upton  in  Regard  to  his  money  Lent 
to  the  Town     .... 

32>y  voted  Doc^  Jonas  Marfhall  &  \V  Llijah  Garfield 
&  M*"  Afa  Perrey  as  a  Committee  to  settle  with  wV  upton 
in  Regard  to  his  money  Lent  to  the  Town  in  the  Time  of 
war  &  make  Report  to  the  Town  on  the  meeting  on  the 
adjournment     .... 

33r(iiy  voted  to  pafs  over  the  article  in  Regard  to  W 
Nathan  Badcocks  Road  till  the  meeting  on  the  adjourn- 
ment    .... 


314  The  Old  Records  of  the 

84'^'  voted  to  have  the  ftaint  (jallery  made  Convenant 
for  the  singers  provided  they  Dow  it  on  there  own  Coft 
for  that  life 

35'y  voted  to  pafs  over  the  12  article  in  Regard  to 
M''  Payfons  Gowing  to  Preach  at  the  weft  part  of  the 
Town  till  the  meeting  on  the  adjournment     .     .     . 

36'y  voted  to  abate  Tho'^  Parmler  Minifter  Rate  in 
Daniel  ferwell  Lift  in  the  year  1780 

37'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  Down  to  the  Houfe 
of  Efqr  Cowdens  for  one  I/2  hour 

38'y  voted  to  Difmifs  M*"  Amos  Ordway  from  serving 
Highway  surveyour  he  being  Choofe  into  that  office    .     .     . 

39'y  voted  that  the  Loweft  Bidders  May  be  the  Col- 
lectors to  serve  the  prefent  year  for  each  side  of  the  Town 
to  Collect  the  Publick  taxes  they  finding  Good  Bondsmen 
to  the  acceptance  of  the  town  for  there  faithfull  Difcharge 
of  there  Duty  as  a  Collector 

4Qth.iy  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  sixteenth 
Da^'  of  this  inftant  march  two  one  of  the  Clock  in  the 
after  Noon  at  the  meeting  Houfe  this  meeting  adjourned 
accordingly 

March  y^  16"^  1786  the  Town  meet  according  to  the 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  &  proceeded  to  the 
Buifenefs  of  the  Day 

41  voted  &  accepted  of  the  Committees  Report  in 
Regard  to  the  settlement  with  m''  Jacob  upton  &  allowed 
m''  Upton  Eleven  shillings  &  four  pence  as  his  Due 

42  voted  to  Difmifs  the  12  article  in  the  warrant 
Refpecting  m''  payfons  Going  to  preach  at  the  weft  part  of 
the  Town  in  any  part  of  the  year 

[^72]  43''''^y  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  Down 
to  the  Houfe  of  Efqr  Cowdens  for  one  half  Hour  the 
meeting  Being  opned  &  proceeded  to  the  Buifenefs  of  s'* 
meeting  for  the  Gitting  Colletors  moved  for  a  Colletor 
for  the  south  side  of  said  town  &  was  put  up  to  3'^  Loweft 
Bider  and  was  struck  of  to  m''  Reuben  smith  at  three 
pound  one  shillings  &  Nine  pence  on  the  Hundred  pound  for 
Collecting  the  publick  taxes  the  prefent  3'ear  he  finding 
Sufficient  Bondsmen  to  the  acceptance  of  the  town 


Town  of  FitchbnrgJi.  315 

44'y  voted  &  Choofe  M""  Reuben  smith  CoUetor  for 
the  south  side  of  s''  Town  for  the  prefent  \'ear  &  to 
allow  him  the  three  pound  one  shilling  &  Nine  pence  on 
the  Hundred  pound  he  shall  Collect  &  accepted  of  M'' 
Jacob  Upton  &  Do'^'^  Jonas  marfhall  as  Bondsmen  for  said 
Reuben  smith  for  his  being  faithfull  in  the  Difcharg  of  his 
Duty  as  a  Colletor  in  Collecting  the  publick  taxes  that 
shall  be  Committed  to  him  to  Collect  &  pa_v  y''  same  into 
the  several  treafurers  as  ordred  By  the  AfleiTors  of  s'^  town 

45'^'^  article  voted  &  accepted  of  W  Reuben  smith  to 
serve  Constable  in  the  Room  of  M*"  oliver  stickncy  the 
prefent  year  for  the  whole  town  in  that  office     .     . 

46^y  voted  to  Difmifs  Amos  Ordway  from  serving  Con- 
ftable  for  the  North  side  of  s''  town 

47*^^  article  votcd  to  adjoum  this  meeting  to  the 
twentyth  Da^'  of  this  inftant  march  which  is  munday  to 
the  meeting   Houfe  at   Nine  of  the  Clock   in   the  morning 

this  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingh' 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Clerk 

Alarch  y*^  20^''  1786  the  Town  meet  according  to  the 
Da}^  adjourned  to  &  Proceeded  to  the  Buifenefs  of  the  Day 
the  meeting  being  ojjned 

48*^  article  votcd  &  Reconfidcred  the  vote  for  Difmifsing 
M""  amos  ordway  for  serving  Conftable  for  the  North  side 
of  said  town  &  Choofe  him  a  New  for  that  office  to  serve 
the  prefent  year  and  excufcd  the  said  amos  ordwa}-  from 
serving  Colleter  to  Collect  the  publick  taxes  for  his  paying 
in  ten  Dollars  to  the  Town  as  the  towns  pro])erty  to  hire 
a  Colletor  for  the  North  side  of  said  town  the  prefent 
year  in  the  Room  of  s''  ordway 

49*1^  arti  voted  that  M"-  Nathan  Badcock  &  'M'  Wil- 
liam Hafkell  have  the  Liberty  to  work  out  there  High- 
way tax  in  making  a  stone  wall  on  one  side  of  the  High- 
way Leading  from  said  Badcocks  Land  to  the  Road  that 
Leads  from  Lev^  Pages  to  the  town  on  the  south  side  of 
said  Road  at  two  shillings  a  Rod  Ibr  Building  said  wall 
till  there  High  way  tax  is  worked  out  at  that  price  & 
the  wall  finifhed 

50tii.iy  voted  &  Choofe  m'  Thomas  Cowden  Ju""  aiVeiTor 
for  the  prefent   year  to  affift  the  making  the  jniblick  taxes 


316  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Gl***  article  voted  to  allow  M""  Afeph  Goodridge  his 
Highway  tax  the  prefent  year  for  keeping  or  making  the 
Gates  on  the  way  from  said  Goodridges  Land  to  the 
Great  Road  that  Leads  to  the  meeting  Houfe  through  m'^ 
Burnhams  Lands 

52"''  arti  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  munday  the 
twenty  seventh  Day  of  this  inftant  march  at  the  meeting 
houfe  at  four  a   Clock  in   the  after  noon    the  meeting  is 

adjourned  accordingly 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Clerk 

[273]  27th  of  march  1786  The  Town  meet  on  the 
adjournment  according  to  the  Time  and  the  meeting  being 
opned  &  profeeded  to  y*^  Bufmefs  of  y"^  Day 

53rd  ly  voted  &  Choofe  M*"  Thomas  Starns  moderator 
in  the  Room  of  m*"  Daniel  Putnam  s^  Putnam  being  Xecef- 
aryly  abfent  then  Recived  m*"  ordways  Note  for  his  being 
excufed  serving  Collector  of  ten  Dollars  for  his  time 

54  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  april  the  3'^  Day 
at  the  meeting  houfe  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon 
this  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly 

april  y^  3'"''  1786  The  Town  meet  according  to  ad- 
journment the  meeting  being  opned  &  proceeded  to  the 
Buifenefs  of  the  Day 

55'-^  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  half  an  hour 
after  five  a  Clock  of  s^  Day  in  y^  after  noon  b\'  Reafon 
that  the  people  not  being  Collected  after  the  people  bing 
aflembled 

56  arti  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  Down  to  the 
Houfe  of  Efqr  Cowdens  for  one  half  hour  the  meeting 
Being  opned  &  proceded  as  followes  it  was  moved  to  put 
up  the  Collector  for  the  North  side  of  said  town  it  being 
Bid  of  to  Cap^  Thomas  Hartwell  for  four  pound  six  shil- 
lings on  the  Hundred  pound  that  he  shall  Collect  &  pay 
into  the  treafurer  B\'  order 

57'y  voted  to  accept  of  Cap*  Thomas  Hartwell  Col- 
lector for  the  North  side  of  s'^  town  for  the  year  1786  and 
alfo  Deacon  John  Thurfton  &  Elijah  Garfield  as  Bondsmen 
for  said  Hartwells  faithfull  Difcharge  of  his  office  as  Col- 
lector for  said  year  in  paying  such  taxes  as  shall  be  Com- 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  317 

mitted  to   him   to   Collect   to  the  treafurers  as  ordered  for 
the  State  &  Town  &  County  By  the  alTeffors 

58  arti    voted    to    Give    Cap'^    Thomas    Hartwell    four 
pounds  six  shillings  on   the  Hundred   pound   that  he  shall 
Collect  &  pay  into  the  severel  treafurers  as  shall  be  ordred 
By  the  affeflbrs  of  s^'  town 
this  Meeting  Difsolved 

Daniel  Putnam   moderator 
I'hinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

(seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  M*"  Reuben  smith  Conftable 
for  3'<^  Town  of  fitchburg    Greeting 

In   the  Name  of  the   Commonwealth  of  the   Mallachu- 
fetts  thefe  are  to  Require  you   agreeable  to  Law  to  Noti- 
fie  and  warn  all  the  male  inhabitance  of  said  Town  Being 
twenty  one  years  of  age  &  upwards  having  anuel  income 
of  three  pound   or  an3''   other   Eftate  to  the  value  of  sixty 
pounds  to  aflemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  said 
fitchburg  on  Munday  the  third  Day  of  april  next  at  three 
of  the  Clock   in   the  after  Noon   then  &  there  being  Duly 
meet  &  formed  to  act  on  y'^  following  articles 
firft    to  Bring  3'our  votes  for  a  Governor 
2'y    to  Bring  in  your  votes  for  a  Lev*^  Governor 
3'-^'     to  Bring  in  yovir  votes  for  five  Senators 
Hereof  fail  not  &   make  Return  of  this   warrant  with 
your  Doings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said 
Day   Given  under  our  Hand  &  seal   this  twentyth   Da}-  of 

march  1786 Daniel  Putnam     \  selectmen  for 

Paul  weatherbeej     Fitchburg 

April  y*^  3*^^  1786  In  obediance  to  the  within  warrant 
I  have  Notified  &  warned  all  the  male  inhabitance  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in  the  within 
mentioned  meeting  att  the  time  &  Place  within  Directed 

Reuben  Smith   Constable 

[274]  att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  inhabitance  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  afscmbled  April  the  third  17S()  the 
Meeting  being  opned 


818 


The  Old  Records  of  the 


Governor 


the   following    Gentlemen    voted    for    as    follows   for  a 
(lovernor 

votes 
firft    for    liis     Excllancv     James    Bordwine 

Kfq>-    ...."." 1 

for  the  Honourable  Thomas  Chufhen 

Iifc|-- 4 

for   the   Honourable   Samuell   Holton 

Esq«- 12   ^ 

The  following  Gentlemen  voted  for  Lev*  Governor 

votes 
firft    for  the  Hon*""  Thomas  Chufhen  Efq""   .     1    ]         j  ^ 
for  the  Honli'  Samuell  Holton  Efq''   .   .     4    I  p     ^ 
for  the  Honlii  Oliver  Prefcott  Efq''   .    .  11    J  '^^overnor 

The  following  Gentlemen  voted  for  senators 
first    for  Abel   Willder 
for  samll  Curtifs 
for  John  Fezenton  . 
for  General  Larnard 
for  Jonathan  Grout 
for  Joliah  Stearns  . 
this  meeting  Difsolved    Atteft 

Daniel  Putnam     |  select  men 
Thomas  stearns   /         For 
Paul  weatherbeej   Fitehburg 

Atteft  —  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


.     .     .     Efq"-     . 

.     18] 

.     .     .     Efq*-     . 

.     17 

.     .     .     Efq'-     . 

.    17 

.     17 

.     .     .     Efqr     . 

.     13 

.       4 

Senators 


(seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  Reuben  smith  Constable  for 
the  Town  of  fitehburg  in  the  County  afore  said  .... 
Greeting    .... 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the 
Maffachufetts  to  will  &  Require  you  forthwith  to  Notifie 
all  the  male  Inhabitanc  of  fitehburg  of  twenty  one  years 
of  age  and  upwards  having  a  free  hold  Eftate  of  the 
annual  income  of  three  pounds  or  an^'  Eftate  of  sixty 
pounds  to  affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in 
titchburg  on  thurfday  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  this  inftant 
may  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  &  there 
being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  article 
to  wit 

[*-i7i)]  lirft  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Elect  and  Depute 
any   person  to  serve  for  and   Reprefent   them  in  the  Great 


Toiun  of  Fitchburgh.  319 

an  General  Court  or  aflembley  to  be  held  in  this  Com- 
monwealth on  the  Laft  wednefsda}-  in  may  a^j^reable  to 
the  Constetution  or  aet  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  and  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hand  & 
seal  at  fitehburg  the  firft  Day  of  may  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  178G 

Daniel  Putnam    |  Selectmen 
Thomas  Stearns  \         of 
Paul  wetherbee   j  fitehburg 

May  y*^  18*'^  1786  In  Obedience  to  this  warrant  T  have 
warned  all  the  Inhabitance  of  the  town  of  fitehburg  Ouli- 
fied  By  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  as  within  mentioned 

to  meet  at  the  time  &  place  Directed 

Ruben  Smith   Constable 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
fitehburg  alTembled  on  Thursday  the  Eighteenth  Dav  of 
this  inftant  may  1786  y^'  meeting  Being  opned  &  the  vote 
Being  put  to  see  if  the  Town  will  elect  &  Depute  anv  i)er- 
fon  to  serve  for  and  Reprefent  them  in  y'^'  Great  an  Gen- 
eral Court  &  it  palled  in  the  Negetive 

Phinehas  Hart  well   Town  Clerk 

(seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  M""  Reuben  smith  Constable 
for  the  Town  of  fitehburg  in  the  County  of  worcefter 
aforesaid  Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the 
Mailachufetts  to  will  and  Rcfjuire  you  fourtlnvith  to  Xotifie 
all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
fitehburg  Qulified  By  Law  to  vote  in  town  meetings  to 
alfeniljle  &  meete  at  the  meeting  Iloufe  in  fitehburg  on 
Thurfday  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  this  InftcUit  may  at  three 
of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  «S:  there  Being  Duely 
meet  &  formed  to  ?ict  on  the  following  articles 

firft    to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting 


320  The  Old  Records  of  the 

2"'"y  to  Bring  your  votes  for  a  County  Trcafurer 
a  Grcable  to  a  warrant  Directed  to  the  selectmen  of  said 
Town     .... 

8'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Difpofe  of  the  old  paper 
money  that  is  in  the  Hand  of  the  Treafurer  of  said  Town 
or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall  Think  proper  .  . 
Here  of  fail  not  make  Due  Return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Doings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before 
the  Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hand 
&  seal  this  firft  Day  of  this  inftant  may  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  1786 

Daniel  Putnam      |  selectmen 
Thomas  Stearns   \        for 
Paul  WeatherbeeJ  Fitchburg 


May  y*^  15  1786  In  obediance  to  this  warrant  I  have 
Notified  and  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tance  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  to  affemble  and  meet  at 
the  Time  &  place  within  mentioned     .... 

Reuben  smith   Conftable 


[276]  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  inhabitance  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  affembled  on  Thursday  y^  Eighteenth 
Day  of  this  Inftant  May  1786 

firft  voted  &  Choofe  Thomas  Cowden  Efqr  Modera- 
tor of  s*^  Meeting 

2iy  voted  for  the  following  Gentlemen  for  the  County 
Treafurer 

viz  Timoth^^  Pain  Efq^        No  votes  13 

M""  Nathan  Perry  .  .  .  votes  25 
3iy  voted  that  the  Selectmen  take  the  old  Contenental 
paper  money  into  there  Cuftedy  to  Difpofe  of  the  same 
at  the  Beft  advantage  the\^  Can  for  the  Intereft  of  the 
Town  that  is  Now  in  the  hands  of  the  Treafurer  of  s*^ 
Town 

4'y    voted  this  meeting  to  be  Difsolved 

Thomas  Cowden   Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


Tozun  of  FitcJibiirgh.  321 

May  Y'^  27th  1786 

M*"  Daniel  Ferwell  of  fitchburg  Gave  Notice  to  the 
selectmen  of  s'^  Town  that  he  hath  taken  into  Town  the 
widow  Lucy  Ferwell  and  four  Children  Namely  Lucy 
Luther  John  &  Daniel  Laft  from  Newijjfwieh  in  the  state 
of  Ne wham f hire  we  the  selectmen  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burg Do  not  admitt  of  s"^  family  or  Receive  them  as  In- 
habitance  of  s*^  Town  but  Defire  they  may  Remove  to 
there  Native  Place  of  aboad  for  Refidence  &  order  the 
above  Declarition  to  Be  entered  on  the  Town  Records  the 
above  Named  perfons  Came  to  town  at  the  above  Date 
r*''  order  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

Auguft  y"  8*^  1786  AP  Jofeph  Farnfworth  of  s''  Fitch- 
burg Gave  Notice  to  the  selectmen  of  s^'  town  that  he 
hath  taken  into  town  to  my  houfe  Benjamin  Eaton  & 
Lydia  his  wife  &  one  Child  Namly  Afa  all  Laft  from 
Lunenburg  we  the  selectmen  of  s''  Town  Do  not  admitt  of 
the  above  Named  perfons  or  Recive  them  as  Inhabitance  of 
s''  town  but  Defire  them  to  Remove  to  there  Native  Place 
of  aboad  for  Refidence  &  support  &  Do  order  the  above 
Decleration  Entred  on  the  Book  of  Records  the  above 
Named  perfons  Came  to  town  the  fourth  Day  of  July  1786 
r^''  order  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk  • 

April  y^  IQth  1786  D""  Jonas  Marfhall  of  fitchburg 
Gave  Notice  to  the  selectmen  of  said  Town  that  he  hath 
taken  into  his  family  the  widow  Rebekah  Chafiin  she  Came 
to  Town  ye  25*^^  of  may  1785  Laft  from  acton  we  the 
selectmen  Do  not  admit  her  as  an  Inhabitant  of  s''  Town 
but  Defire  her  to  Remove  to  her  Native  place  of  aboad  for 
Refedence  &  support  &  Do  order  the  same  to  be  Recorded 
on  the  Book  of   Records 

^''  order  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

[*^77]  (seal)  Worccftcr  fs  To  Reuben  smith  Constablc 
for  the  town  of  fitchburg  in  the  County  of  worcefter 
Greeting 

Thcfc  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Cotninonwealth  of  the 
Mafsachufetts  to  will  and  I\e([uire  you  in  Due  Courfe  of 
21 


322  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Lawc  to  Notirtc  and  warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other 
Inhabitance  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  Qulified  By  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  meetings  to  afsemble  and  meet  at  the  meet- 
ing Iloufe  in  said  Town  on  munday  the  Tenth  Day  of 
jnlv  Next  at  five  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  & 
there  being  Duely  meet  &  formend  to  act  on  the  following 
articles 

firft  to  Choofe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting 
2'-^'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  the  affefsors  Harmlefs 
for  not  making  up  the  state  Tax  which  they  have  Lately 
Recived  a  tax  bill  for  while  the  Town  Can  know  whether 
there  jiotition  to  the  General  Can  have  a  hearing  or  not 
Here  of  fail  not  make  Due  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
3'our  Doings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  the 
s''  Day  Given    under  our  hands   &  seal   this   22"^^   Day   of 

June  A  D  1786 

Daniel  Putnam  \  selectmen  for 
Paul  wetherbeej     fitchburg 

July  lO^h  1786    In  obedance  to   the   within   warrant  I 

have  warned  all  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg 

Qualified  by   Law  to   vote  in  Town   Meeting  to   affemble 

and  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  s^  fitchburg  at  the  time 

within  Directed 

Reuben  smith  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  affembled  on   Munday  y*^  10*^  Day  of  July  1786 

firft  voted  &  Choofe  M""  A  fa  Perry  moderator  to 
Govern  s^  meeting 

2'-^  voted  to  adjourn  said  meeting  to  the  second  tuef- 
day  of  auguft  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon 
the  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly 

Auguft  y*^^  8^'i  1786  the  Town  meet  on  the  adjourn- 
ment in  said  Day  &  proceeded  to  the  Bufinefs  in  hand  the 
meeting  being  opned  a  motion  put  to  Diffolve  s^  meeting 

3'y  voted  to  Difsolve  s^^  meeting  the  meeting  is  accord- 
ingly Difsolved 

Afa  Perr3^  moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 


Toivn  of  Fitchbiirgh.  323 

Auguft  y^-  19*11  17^(5  M'-  John  knights  of  fitchburg 
Gave  Notice  to  the  selectmen  of  said  Town  that  he  hath 
Taken  into  his  Houfe  in  fitchburg  one  Poter  Davicc  & 
Hannah  his  wife  &  Hannah  Da  vice  there  Daughter  all 
Laft  from  Jeftery  in  the  state  of  New  hamfhire  the^'  came 
to  Town  y*^  22"''  Day  of  may  1786  we  the  selectmen  of  s'' 
Town  Do  Not  admitt  of  said  perfons  as  Inhabitants  of 
said  Town  but  Defire  them  to  Remove  to  there  Native 
place  of  aboad  for  Refedence  &  support  &  Do  order  the 
same  to  be  Recorded  in  the  book  of  Records 

%*'■  order  Phinehas  Hart  well  Town  Clerk 


January  28''''  1787  NP  Benjamin  Danforth  of  Fitchburg 
Gave  Notice  to  the  selectmen  of  said  Town  that  he  hath 
Brought  into  Town  one  Betf\^  Noney  she  was  Born  in 
Lexonton  she  Came  to  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  in  the 
month  of  May  1784  we  the  select  men  of  said  Town  Do 
Not  admit  of  said  jjerfon  as  an  inhabitant  of  said  Town 
but  Defire  Her  to  Remove  fourthwith  to  her  Native  place 
of  aboad  for  Refidence  &  support  and  Do  order  the  same 
to  be  Recorded  in  the  Book  of  Records 

"ir^"'  order  Phinehas  Hartwcll  Town  Clerk 

[ti78]     Worcefter   fs     To   Reuben    Smith    Constable   for 

,.  the  Town  of  fitchburgh  Greeting  Tliefe  are  in  the 
\  '  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the  Mafl'achufctts 
"  '  to  will  &  Require  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  to  Notifie 
and  warn  all  y"^  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitancc 
of  the  Town  of  I-'itchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in 
Town  meetings  to  alTemble  and  meet  at  the  Meeting 
Houfe  in  fitchburg  on  Tufeday  the  twclvth  Day  of  Sep- 
tember Next  at  one  of  the  CMocU  in  llic  after  Noon  then 
&  there  Being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  lollow- 
ing  article  viz 

1     to  Choofe  a  moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting    .    . 

2'-^'  to  Raife  money  to  supjiort  y^  Revern''  John  jiay- 
fon     .... 

3'>'  to  see  what  sum  or  sums  ol  money  shall  Be 
Raifed   to  support   the  school  &  to  see   what    way  it  shall 


324  The  Old  Records  of  the 

be  Laid  out  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think 
proper 

4'y  to  Raife  money  to  support  Mi^  Hart  and  other 
poor  that  has  become  Chargeble  to  s''  Town     .     .     . 

5'y  to  sec  what  methord  the  Town  will  take  to  Gitt 
m*"  payfons  wood  the  Inluing  year  or  act  any  thing  there 
on  as  they  shall  think  proper 

&y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  allow  such  accounts  as 
shall  be  Laid  before  them  for  service  Done  for  s'^  Town 

7'y  to  see  what  sum  or  Sums  of  Money  the  Town 
will  Raife  to  Defray  there  Necefsary  Charges  the  prefent 
year  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall   think   proper 

8'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Abate  any  Perfons  Rates 
in  any  of  the  Conftables  or  Collectors  Lift  that  Cant  Be 
Collected 

O^y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  Committee  to 
Recon  with  the  Town  treafurer  &  make  a  Report  there 
of  to  the  Town 

lO'y  to  Choofe  a  saxon  to  take  Care  the  meeting  houfe 
and  Digg  the  Graves  for  the  prefent  year 

ll^y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  Committee  to 
meafure  the  Town  in  order  to  affertain  the  Number  of 
acres  it  Contains 

12'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Raife  a  sum  of  money  to 
mend  the  County  Road  from  Jofep  Polleys  to  weftminfter 
Line  or  act  any  thing  theron   as  they  shall  think  proper 

13^y  to  see  if  the  Town  move  the  meeting  Houfe  or 
Build  a  New  one  in  the  Center  of  the  Town  or  in  the 
Neareft  Convanent  place  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  the^^ 
shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  make  Return  of  this  warrand  with 
3^our  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  &  time  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hand  & 
seals    at    fitchburg    this    twentieight    Day   of  auguft   A   D 

Daniel  Putnam    1  Select  men 
Thomas  Stearns  \        for 
Paul  wetherbee   j   fitchburg 

Sep*^  y«^  12*^  1786  In  Obediance  to  the  within  war- 
rant I  have  Notifid  all  the  freeholders   and   other  inhabi- 


Tow7i  of  Fitchbtirgh.  325 

tance  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  QuHfied  By  Law  to  vote 
in  Town  meeting  to  affemble  &  meet  at  time  &  Place 
within  Directed 

Reuben  smith  Conftable 


[279]  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  Affembled  Sept  ^e  12^^  1786  the  meet- 
ing Being  opned  &  proceded  as  forlowes     .     .     . 

firft  voted  &  Choofe  I'hinehas  Sawyer  J"""  Moderator 
of  said  Meeting    .... 

2^y  voted  to  Raife  66-13-4  to  support  the  Revern*^ 
John   payfon  a  year £66-13-4 

3'y  voted  to  Raife  £45  to  support  the  school  in  Each 
Quarter  of  the  Town 45-  0-0 

4iy  voted  to  Choofe  five  perfons  for  a  Committee  to 
provide  schooling  in  each  Quarter  of  the  Town  the  school 
money  to  be  Laid  out  in  Each  Quarter  of  the  Town  as 
ufal  the  Committee  are  as  followes  M''  Jofeph  Phelps 
Abijah  Goodridge  Daniel  Ferwell  Jofeph  Fox  phinehas  saw- 
yer J"*"  Reuben  Gibson  J"""  aded 

5'y  voted  to  Raife  £15-2-4  to  support  Mi«  Hart  & 
Lydea  williams  already  put  out  to  Board  to  pav  Daniel 
farwell  Jofeph   Phelps  one   whole  year     ....    £15-2—4 

6'y  voted  to  pafs  over  Gitting  W  payfons  wood  till 
the  adjournment  of  the  meeting 

7'y  voted  to  pafs  over  the  sixth  article  in  Regard  to 
allowing  accompts  and  the  accompts  to  be  Laid  before  the 
selectmen  to  Examine  there  Clames  that  they  may  be  Juft 
&  approved  of  for  allowance 

8'y  voted  to  abate  oliver  Davices  Rate  in  Capt  Bur- 
bank  Lift  1783  &  John  ferwells  Lift  for  the  year  1784    .     . 

9'y  voted  to  sufpend  the  Eighth  article  on  accomp*  of 
abating  Rates  till  the  adjournment  of  the  meeting     .     .     . 

10'>'  .voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Recon  with  the 
Treafurer  viz  Oliver  Stickncy  Thomas  Stearns  Daniel  Put- 
nam    .... 

11  voted  &  Choofe  Ephraim  Kimball  to  take  Care 
the  meeting  houfe  and  Digg  the  Graves  till  a  Xother  be 
Choofen  in  his  Room     .     .     . 


320  The  Old  Records  of  the 

12  voted  to  ])afs  over  the  article  in  Regard  to  mend- 
ing the  County  Koad  by  m""  Jacob  uptons  to  the  Town 
Line    .... 

18  voted  to  build  a  New  meeting  houfe  in  the  Center 
of  the  Town  or  the  Neareft  Convenant  Place  to  the  Cen- 
ter   .... 

14'>'  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  twenty 
sixth  Day  of  this  Inftant  September  at  one  of  the  Clock 
in  the  alter  Noon     this  meeting  is  accordingly^  adjourned 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

Sept  26  1786  The  Town  meet  according  to  the 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  and  proceed  as  fol- 
lowes    .... 

15  voted  to  Raife  two  Hundred  &  fifty  pounds  to 
Difcharge  the  Minifter  and  school  &  pay  for  the  poor  & 
all  Necefsary  Charges  By  Dues  and  accounts     .     .     . 

16  voted  to  Raife  Thirty  pound  to  be  Laid  out  on 
the  County  Road  betwene  Jofeph  Polle3's  &  the  Town 
Line,  exclufive 

Towns  money  250-0-0 

High  way  money       30-0-0 

17  voted  to  Choofe  five  men  to  over  see  that  the 
thirty  pounds  be  faithfully  worked  out  on  s'^  Road     .     .     . 

18  voted  &  Choofe  for  s''  Committee  Abraham  Ja- 
quith  Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  Afa  Perry  Reuben  smith  Phine- 
has Brown 

19  voted  to  abate  abiather  Eaton  poll  tax  in  Afa 
perry  Rate  Bill  for  the  year  1785 

[280]  20'>-  voted  the  Money  Raifed  for  the  High- 
way be  Laid  out  by  the  Direction  of  the  Committee  or 
over  Sears 

21  voted  to  abate  Aaron  Eaton  poll  Tax  for  the 
year  1783  in  Capt  Burbank  Lifts     .... 

22  Voted  to  abate  James  French  poll  tax  in  Cap* 
Burbank  Rate  Bill  which  sum  is £1-  3-4 

23  voted  to  abate  Joel  Hale  Poll  Tax  in  Cap*  samuell 
Burbank   Lift  which  sum  is 1-  3-4 

24  voted  to  abate  Benjamin  Stewards  poll  Tax  in 
Cap*  samuell  Burbank  tax  Bill  which  sum  is    .     .     1-  3-4 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  32t 

25  voted  &  Clioof  Phinehas  Hartwell  &  Phinehas 
Sawyer  Ju*"  to  make  up  and  propotion  the  Thirty  pounds 
Raifed  to  mend  the  high\va\'  By  the  other  High  way  Rate 
Bill  to  Each  perfon  that  was  made  Laft  fpring 

26  voted  that  AP  Pay  Tons  Wood  Be  Lotted  out  into 
six  Lotts  and  Let  out  at  the  Loweft  Bidder  a  Cord  by 
Lott  the  wood  to  lie  Cut  Cord  wood  Length  &  Corded 
up  at  the  House  of  m""  payfons 

No  one.  l)id  of  by  Leu*  Paul  wetherbee  at  five  shil- 
lings a  Cord 

No  two  Bid  of  l)y  M'  jofepli  Phelps  at  five  shillings 
a  Cord 

No  three  Bid  of  By  m""  Daniel  wetherbee  at  four  shil- 
lings &  ten  pence  Cord 

No  four  Bid  of  By  s"'  Daniel  weatherbee  at  four  shil- 
lings &  ten  pence  a  Cord 

No  five  Bid  of  B}'  s''  Daniel  weatherbee  at  four  shil- 
lings &  ten  pence 

No  six  Bid  of  By  s*^  Daniel  wetherbee  at  four  shillings 
a  Coard 

voted  to  Defolve  this  meeting  the  meeting  Difsolved 
accordingly 

Phinehas  Sawyer  J"""  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

Sep*  26  1786    sundrey  accounts  prefcntcd  to  the  select 
men  and   Approved  of  By  them  &   Returned    to   the   Clerk 
to  be  put  on  Record  are  as  folio vves 
M""  Oliver  Stickneys  accomp*  for  service  alTefmg, 

&  other  matters £1-86 

Due  to   Daniel  Ferwell    allowed   at   s''   meeting 

by  y'^  selectmen 0-14-10 

Jofeph   Sawyer  for   smithing   iS:  other  work  for 

the  Town 0-  8     f) 

Due  to    Phinehas    Hartwell    for    serving    treaf- 

urer  two  years   and   V2  &  as  an   affefsor  to 

making  Rates   &  other  service 11-4-0 

Due  to  Thomas  Stearns  for   Aifefsor  and   other 

service 8-13-  6 

Due  to  Reuben  smith  for  service  for  s''  Town  0-  6-  0 

the  above  accounts  voted  to  be  jiaid   P.y  the  Town 


328  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[5281]     Worcefter  fs     To   Reuben   vSmith    Conftable  for 

the  Town  of  fitchburg  in  the  County  of  worcefter 

,       .[     Grcetinii;    Thefe  are   In  the  Name  of  the  Cornmon- 

(seal) 

,        '     wealth  of  the  Maffachufetts  to  will  &  Require  you 

^        '    fourthwith  By   verble  Notice  to  Notifie  &  warn  all 

the    freeholders    and    other    Inhabitance    of  the    Town    of 

fitchburg  QuHfied   By   Law   to  vote  in   Town   meetings  to 

affemble    &    meet    at    the    meeting    houfe    in  fitchburg  on 

Tufeday   the  twelveth   Day  of  this  Inftant  Sep*  at  four  of 

the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  &  there  being  Duly  meet 

&  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  viz 

firft    to  Choofe  a  moderator  to  Govern  s^'  meeting    .     . 

2'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  that  the  affefsors  may 
Committ  the  Taxes  to  Reuben  smith  without  any  bonds- 
man as  the  Bondsmen  that  the  town  Accepted  Refufe  to 
sign  the  Bonds  that  are  prefented  to  them  or  act  any  thing 
there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Here  of  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or 
before  said  Day  Given  under  our  hands  &  seal  this  fourth 
Day  of  Sept  ^  D  1786 

Daniel  Putnam     1  selectmen 
Thomas  Stearns  \       for 
Paul  weatherbeej  fitchburg 

At  a  Legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  affembled  Sep*  y^  12*^  1786 

l^y  voted  &  Choofe  M''  Phinehas  sawyer  J"*"  Moderator 
of  said  meeting 

2iy  voted  that  the  Affefsors  Committ  the  state  tax  to 
Reuben  smith  Conftable  and  all  other  affefments  for  the 
south  sid  of  s'^  Towm  that  may  be  aflefed  this  prefent 
year  without  a  bondsman  To  Collect  Si  pay  where  ordred 

this  Meeting  Difsolved 

Phinehas  sawyer  J"''  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

[28*^]  Fitchburg  Sept  22"^  1786  Then  Reckned  & 
settled  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Treafurer  for  the  j'ears 
from  1784  to  the  above  Date 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  329 

we  Find    in    the    Hands  of   the  several    Conftables   & 

Collectors  hereafter  mentioned  the  following  sums  viz 

We  Finde  in  the  Hands  of  Jonathan  Holt  Con- 

ftable  for  y"^  year  1778 5-13-  G-3 

we  find  that  M*"  James  Patterfon  Conftable  for 
y^  year  1779  hath  over  paid  his  Colletion 
for  s*^  year  By  abatements  on  s*^  Lifts  B3' 
the  Town  one  pound  one  shilling  four  pence 
one  fathing 1-1-  4-1 

we  finde  a  state  Recept  Towns  property  for  y'" 
year  1780  Dated  April  28^1  1781  in  the 
Treafurers  hand  aganft  Phinehas  Hartwell 
the  Remains  Due  at  this  settlement     .     .     .  38-  9     8  - 

one  minifter  Rate  bill  3^*  Due  in  the  hands  of 

sd  Hartwell 13  19     0  - 

we  find  in  the  Hand  of  Daniel  Ferwell  Confta- 
ble for  ye  year  1780  Town  tax 48-4     1-1 

we  find  in  the  Hand  of  samuel  Burbank  Col- 
lector for  the  year   1781   to  1783     .     .     .     .34-5-  2-3 

Due  on  a  state  Recip*^  in  the  hand  of  the  treaf- 
urer  Dated  June  13  1782  alfo  one  Minifter 
Rate  bill  for  y^  year  1783  in  part  Due    .     .     1-  7-  7  - 

&  alfo  one  souldier  Rate  bill  for  3-*^  3-ear  1782 

not  settled  y^  sum  of 90-16-  0-2 

we  find  in   the  hand  of  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson 

Collector  in  y*^  year  1781  Town  tax     .     .     .  55-   2-11-1 

and   alfo   a  state   Recipt   Town    property  Due 

from  s'l  Gibson  Dated  June  14^^  1782     .     .  32-18-  6  - 

we  find  in  the  Hand  of  Jofeph  Phelps  Collector 

for  y'^  3'ear  1782  Town  Tax 9-15-  8-1 

and  alfo  one  minifter  Rate  bill  yet  Due  for  3"^^ 

year  1782 37-  5-10-0 

and  one  souldier  bill   not  settled  ior  s''  year     .  89-15-11-3 

we  find  in  the  Hand  of  Cap*^  Thomas  Hartwell 

Conftable  for  y^^  year  1783  town  tax     .     .  18-  4-  0  - 

we  find  in  y*^^  hand  of  John    Ferwell   Conftable 

for  y*^  year  1784  Town  tax 13-10-  6-3 

we  find  in  y*^  hand  of  De'  John  Thuri'ton  Col- 
lector for  y*^  3'ear    1784   Town    tax      .     .     .  15-11-   4-1 

we  find  in  y*^  hand  of  Phinehas  sawyer  Ju'  Col- 
lector  for  3'^  3'car   1785   Town  tax     .     .     .  72-   2-   5  — 


330  The  Old  Recon/s  of  the 

alfo  one  miniftcr   Kate  bill   for  the  year   1785 

yet   Due 27-1-1-1 

we    find    in   the   hand   of   Afa    Perry   Colleetor 

for  y^  year  1785  Town  Tax 103-  7-  3  - 

&  ah'o  one  minifter  Rate  for  y^' year  1785     .     .  34-  1-  (3-2 

the  Treafurer  is  to  Be  allowed  six  pound  four 
shilling  for  money  Borrowed  for  s''  Town 
Due  to  s'l  Treafurer  in   the  settlement    .     .     6-  4-  0-0 

we  find  the  following  Notes  in   the  Treafurers 

hand  Due  from  the  following  ])erfons 
one  Note  Dated   April  2  1781   signed  by  Cap^ 

Burbank £3-12-  0 

one  Note  Dated  march  9  1781  signed  by  Cap* 

Reuben   Gibson     3-12-  0 

second  Note  Dated  march  17   1783  signed  By 

Cap*  Burbank 3-12-  0 

one  Note  Dated  march  15  1784  signed  By  Jo- 

feph  policy 3-0-0 

one  Note  Dated  may  16  1783  signed  By  Tho^ 

Hartwell 3-12-  0 

one  Note   Dated  signed  By  francis  fullam    .     .     2-2-0 
one  Note  Dated    april   8   1784  signed  bj--   Jn° 

ferwell 3-0-0 

one  Note  Dated   april  4  1785  signed  by  Jon^ 

Page 3-0-0 

one  Note  Dated  march  27  1786  sign''  by  Amos 

ordway 3-0-0 

Oliver  Stickney     ] 

Thomas  Stearns  ^Committee 

Daniel  Putnam     J 

Laid  before  the  Town  &  Accepted  at  sep*  26  1786    .    . 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


[383]    Worcefter  fs 

.       i\     To    Reuben    Smith    Conftable    for    the    Town    of 

,       ,.     fitchburg    in    the    County    of    worcefter    Greeting 

Thefe  are  in   the  Name  of  the    Commonwealth  of 

Mafsachuletts  to   will   and   Require  you  in   Due  Courfe  of 


Town  of  FitcJiburgh.  331 

Law  to  Notifie  and  warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  b}'  Law  to 
vote  in  Town  Meetings  to  afl'emble  &  meet  at  the  meeting 
Houfe  in  s'^  Town  on  wednefsday  y*^^  fifteenth  Day  of  this 
Inftant  November  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon 
on  s^'  Day  then  &  there  being  Duly  meet  (Sc  form'"''  to  act 
on  the  following  articles 

firft    to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting    .     . 

2'y  to  see  what  method  the  Town  will  Take  to  sup- 
port Ephr!!'  smith  and  his  family  which  the  Town  of 
worcefter  hath  Lately  turned  upon  the  Town  of  fitchburg 
for  a  support  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think 
proper 

3'y  to  see  if  the  Town  of  fitchburg  will  take  anj-  Law- 
full  Method  to  Gitt  Red  of  supporting  the  said  Eiihrl"  and 
his  family  &  Choofe  a  Committee  for  that  purpofe  or  act 
any  thing  theiron  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  Not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  or  one  of  us  on  or  before  s'^  Day 

Given  under  our  Hand  &  seals  this  firft  Day  of  Novem- 
ber A  D  178(5 

TV     •  1  13  4.  )  selectmen 

Daniel  Putnam      [         r 

Paul  weatherbee  f  t^-,  ,  , 

j  r  itch  burg 

Worcefter  fs  Nov!!!  15*''  1786 

By  vertue  of  this  warrant  I  have  Notified  and  warned 
all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  Ouallified  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
afsemble  &  meet  at   the  meeting  houfe  at   the  time  within 

Directed 

Reuben  Smith   Conftable 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inha])itants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  afsemblcd  Novlll  y^'  15'''  1780  the  meeting  being 
opned  &  proceeded  as  follows 

firft  voted  &  Choofe  Eftir  Cowdcn  Moderator  of  s'' 
meeting 

2'-^'  voted  that  Hphrlll  Smiths  and  laniily  he  Supported 
by  Putting  out  to  the  Loweft  Bidder   by  the  week     .     .     . 


332  The  Old  Records  of  the 

3iy  voted  that  the  second  article  in  the  warrant  be 
omitted  till  the  evining  for  vanduing 

4'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Carrey  into  Exe- 
cution the  Caufe  of  Ephrl!}  Smith  and  family  being  thrown 
on  the  Town  of  fitchburg  for  support  and  to  Releve  said 
town  from  s^  family     .... 

5'y  voted  to  Choofe  three  perfons  as  a  Committee  for 
the  above  porpofe     .... 

6'y  voted  &  Choofe  De-^  Daniel  Putnam  D''  Jonas  Mar- 
fhall  &  Efqr  Covvden  for  said  Committee  to  Carry  the 
Matter  into  Execution     .... 

yiy  voted  to  adjourn  this  meetting  to  the  Houfe  of 
Efq^  Cowdins  for  one  half  Hour  the  meeting  being  opned 
&  proceeded  as  follows  the  second  article  taken  in  hand 

[384J  the  second  article  taken  in  hand  the  vandue 
opned  Proceded  as  follows 

Jonas  Smith  Bid  of  by  M*-  Jofeph  Phelps  for  1/9  p"- 
week  Board  &  Lodge 

Ifarel  Smith  Bid  of  By  m*"  Blaney  Phillips  for  1/11  p^ 
week  Bord  &  Lodge 

The  woman  &  the  youngeft  Child  Bid  of  by  Cap* 
Jonathan  wood  for  3/10  p''  week  to  support 

Ephraim  Smith  Bid  of  By  Cap*  Jonathan  wood  for 
5/6  p*"  week  to  support 

8^y  voted  to  allow  Cap*  Jonathan  Wood  3/6  for  mov- 
ing said  EphrH^  &  wife  &  Child  to  his  houfe  with  there 
furniture 

9iy  voted  to  allow  Col°  Ebenezer  Bridge  6/  for  the 
ufe  of  his  houfe  for  s*^  smiths  family  while  he  ware  Sup- 
ported there    

voted  to  Difsolve  this  meeting 

Thomas  Cowden  Efqr  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

,,  Worcefter  fs  To  Reuben  smith  Conftable  for  y^ 
.  '  Town  of  Fitchburg  in  said  County  Greeting  Thefe 
are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the  Alaffa- 
chufetts  to  will  &  Require  3'ou  forth  with  in  Due  Courfe 
of  Law  to  Notifie  &  warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  of 
the    Inhabitants  of  the  Town    of  fitchburg    Qualified    By 


Town  of  Fitchburgk.  333 

Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  aflemble  and  meete  at 
the  meeting  Houfe  in  s*^  Town  Tuefday  the  sixteenth  Day 
of  January  Inftant  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  af  after  Noon 
then  &  there  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  fol- 
lowing articles  viz 

I'y    to    Choofe  a   moderator    to    Govern   said   meeting 

2'-^'  to  Here  the  Addrefs  Read  that  was  sent  from  the 
Great  &  General  Court  of  this  Commonwealth  as  is 
Directed  in  said  addrefs 

3'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  Committee  to 
Purchafe  Certificates  to  make  Good  such  abatements  as 
have  been  or  muft  be  abated 

4*y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Excufe  and  Difmifs  any  of 
the  Late  Committee  Choofe  to  Gitt  Read  of  Ephraim 
Smith  &  family  or  add  any  perfon  or  perfons  more  to 
said  Committee  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

5'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  petition  to  the  Governor 
&  Counfell  in  behalf  of  the  Infurgents  or  Regulators  as 
they  Call  them  selves  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  the\' 
shall  think  proper    .... 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowing  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said 
Daj'  Given  under  our  hand  &  seals  this  firft  Day  of  Janu- 
ary A  D.  1787     .... 

Daniel  Putnam    1      ,     , 

a>,  e.  >  selectmen 

1  homas  Stearns  J 

[285]  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  aflembled  on  Tuefda}'  the  sixteenth  Day 
of  January  1787  the  meeting  being  opned  &  proceeded  as 
follows 

I'y  voted  &  Choofe  W\  Kendall  Boutell  moderator  of 
said  meeting 

2'y  proceeded  according  to  the  Directions  of  the  second 
article  in  the  warrant  to  Reed  the  addrefs  before  the  Town 
that  Came  from  the  General  Court 

3'-^'  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Purchafe  Certifi- 
cates to  Difcharge  the  abatements  made  or  muft  be  made 
in  the  state  tax  in  the  several  Collectors  Lifts  as  Checpe 
to  the  beft  advantage  of  the  Town 


334  The  Old  Records  of  the 

4iy  voted  to  Choofe  three  perfons  as  a  Committee  viz 
the  prefent  selectmen  to  jjurchafe  said  Certificates  as  Cheepe 
a  ma}-^  be  for  the  advantage  of  the  Town     .     .     . 

5'-^     voted  to  pafs  over  the  fourth  article  in  the  warrant 

6'y  voted  to  petition  to  the  Government  to  have  the 
Courts  of  Common  plea  and  of  the  seffefions  be  sufpcnded 
till  the  Choice  of  a  New  Reprefentitive  Houfe  for  the  may 
scfilons  for  a  Nother  year 

7'y  voted  to  petition  to  Government  to  Liberate  Capt 
shattick  and  others  that  are  apprehended  \Sy  Government 
on  there  promifing  to  behave  peafible  and  faithful!  subjects 
to  this  Commonwealth 

8'y  voted  to  petition  to  the  Government  that  the 
people  may  have  the  privelidge  of  the  writ  habeas  Corpufs 

giy  voted  to  Choofe  three  perfons  for  a  Committee  to 
Draw  a  petition  to  send  to  the  General  Court  for  the 
above  purpofe  viz  Phinehas  Hartwell  Elijah  willard  & 
Ephraim  Kimball 

lO'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  till  the  vSO^*^  Day 
of  this  inftant  January  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after 
Noon  this  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly^     .     .     . 

January  y«^  30*^  1787  the  Town  meet  according  to 
the  adjournment  &  the  meeting  being  opened  &  proceeded 
as  follows  the  petition  being  several  times  Reed  before  the 
Town 

11 'y  the  Town  voted  to  accept  of  the  petition  Drawn 
by  the  Committee  &  have  it  sent  to  the  General  Court 

Like  wife  the  meeting  Difsolved 

Kendall  Boutell  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

M*"  Afa  Perry  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Gave  Notice 
To  The  Selectmen  of  said  Town  That  one  seafer  Hammond 
and  wife  &  four  Children  viz  Levi  &  Perley  &  patty  & 
marc3^  moved  into  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  on  the 
Eighteenth  Da3^  of  March  1787  moved  Laft  from  the  Town 
of  Sterling  which  we  the  selectmen  of  Fitchburg  Do  not 
admitt  of  said  famih^  as  Town  Inhabitants  But  Do  order 
&  Defire  said  perfons  to  Remove  forthwith  to  their  Native 
Place  of  Refedance  for  support  &  Do  order  the  same  to  be 


Town  of  Fitchbjirgh.  335 

put  on  the   Book  of  Records  of  their  Not  being  admitted 
as  inhabtants 

^  order 

Phinehas  Hartwcll  Town  Clerk 

December  201^  1787 

[380]  (seal)  Worcefter  fs  To  Reuben  smith  Constable 
for  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Greeting  Thefe  are  in  the  Name 
of  the  Commonwealth  of  the  MaiTachufetts  to  will  and 
Require  you  fourthwith  in  Due  Corfe  of  Law  to  Notifie 
and  warn  all  the  free  holders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  Oulafied  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in 
said  Town  on  Thurfda\'  the  Eight  Day  of  June  Next  at 
three  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  there  being 
Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  viz 

1^*^    Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting 

2'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Take  into  Confideration 
the  heavy  Burdens  we  Labour  under  in  Regard  to  our 
publick  affairs  &  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think 
proper  it  being  Requefted  by  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  said  Towm 

Hereof  fail  Not.  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Doings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said 
Day  Given  under  our  hand  &  seal  this  23'"''  Day  of  may 
A  b.  1786     

Daniel  Putnam  \       ,     , 

T>      1        4-11       )  selectmen 

Paul  wetherbeej 

At  A  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  fitchburg  aflembled  June  y^  S^'i  1786 

firft     voted  and  Choofe  AP  Afa  Perry  Moderator 

2'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  take  into  Con- 
fideration the  Circumftances  of  the  Town  as  it  is  Burdned 
&  Redrefs  in  Relief  thereof  to  the  General  Court 

3'>'  voted  to  Choofe  five  perfons  as  a  Committee  for 
the  above  purpofe 

4'?-  voted  &  Choofe  M'  Ro1)crt  Burnham  Daniel  Put- 
nam Thomas  Stearns  Elijah  willard  Phinehas  Hart  well  for 
s**  Committee 


336  The  Old  Records  of  the 

5'>  voted  that  the  Committee  should  make  a  Draught 
of  a  Letter  to  Lay  before  the  Town  at  the  meeting  on  the 
jurnment  to  send  to  the  Towns  in  the  County  of  worcefter 
for  Calling  a  County  Convention 

6'-^'  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  thurfday  the 
twenty  second  Day  of  this  inftant  June  at  three  of  the 
Clock  in  the  after  Noon  the  meeting  is  according  adjourned 

June  y*^  22"'^'  1786  the  Town  meet  on  the  adjournment 
the  meeting  being  opned  and  proceeded  to  the  Bufinefs  in 
hand 

7'y  voted  to  accept  of  the  petition  as  it  is  Draughted 
Ry  the  Committee  Now  prefented  to  the  Town  and  that 
the  selectmen  have  s''  petition  Commited  to  some  faithfull 
perfon  to  Lay  before  the  General  Court  for  a  hearing 

8'y  voted  to  Choole  a  man  to  meet  in  Convention 
appointed  by  the  Towns  in  the  County'  of  worcefter  to 
take  into  Confideration  the  public  affairs  of  this  Com- 
monwealth Likewife  made  Choofe  of  m''  Elijah  willard  to 
meet  and  serve  the  town  in  a  Convention  for  the  above 
purporfe 

9'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  munday  the 
Tenth  Day  of  July  Next  at  five  a  Clock  in  the  after  Noon 
the  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly 

July  y*^  10*^'  1786  the  Town  meet  according  to  there 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  the  Town  pro- 
ceeded as  follows 

[387]  lO'y  voted  the  Town  shall  Give  M«-  Elijah  Wil- 
lard inftructions  in  Regard  to  his  meeting  in  the  County 
Convention  to  Lay  before  the  members  that  shall  attend 
in  that  Convention  to  Difcover  the  minds  of  the  Town 
at  there  next  Convening  together 

ll'>'  voted  that  the  former  Committee  that  was  firft 
Choofen  in  this  meeting  with  the  addition  of  two  other 
perfons  viz  ra''  William  Brown  &  m""  Paul  Wetherbee  shall 
be  a  Committee  to  Draw  up  inftructions  for  m*"  Elijah 
willard  to  Lay  before  the  Convention  to  Difcover  the  minds 
of  the  Town  Likewife  the  Inftructions  to  be  Reported  the 
Next  meeting  for  acceptance  by  the  Town 


Town  of  FitcJiburgh.  337 

12'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  second  Tuef- 
day  in  auguft  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon 
the  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingh- 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

Auguft  Y'^  S^'i  1786  the  Town  meet  according  to  there 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  motioned  that  the 
inftructions  be  Reed  before  the  town  for  acceptance  article 
by  article  the  firft  article  accepted  second  alfo  and  the 
third  &  forth  &  fifth  &  sixth  &  seventh  all  as  they  stand 
Drawed  up  for  the  inftructions  to  meet  in  Convention 

13'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  to  the  second 
Tuesday  of  September  [12P]  next  at  four  a  Clock  in  the 
after  Noon  this  meeting  is  adjourned  according]}- 

Sep*  y*-*  12*^^  178G  the  Town  meet  on  the  ajournment 
the  meeting  being  opned  &  heard  the  proceedings  of  the 
Convention  and  Likewife  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting 
to  the  firft  tuefday  in  October  [3"'  Day]  Next  at  three 
of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  this  meeting  is  adjourned 
accordingly 

October  y*-  o*"''  178G  the  Town  aOembled  according  to 
there  adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  to  here  the 
proceedings  of  the  Conventions  &  there  petition  sent  to 
the  General  Court  Reed  before  the  Town  the  Town  voted 
to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  third  Tuefday  in  November 
Next  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  the  meeting 
is  accordingly  adjourned 

Phinehas  Hjirtwcll   Town  Clerk 

November  21  178G  the  Town  meet  according  to  there 
adjournicnt  the  meeting  Ijciiig  o])ned  to  licre  tlie  proceed- 
ings of  the  Convention  the  people  attending  s''  meeting 
voted  to  adjourn  s''  meeting  to  the  Tiiurd  tuefday  in 
January  [10  D]  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  llie  after  Xoon 
this   meeting  is  adjourned 

j£inu£irv  1()  1787  the  Town  meet  according  to  there 
adjournment  the  moderator  being  NeceiTaryly  abfent  the 
selectmen  with  the  Clerk  with  the  advice  of  the  people 
prefent  a  motioned  was  made  and  seconded  to  have  this 
meeting  adjourned  to  the  30^''  Day  of  this  inftant  January' 

22 


338  The  Old  Records  of  the 

at  one  of  llie  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  the  vote  pafsetl  for 
the  ajournient  accordingly  the  meeting  is  adjourned 

Januar\'  y*^  .'iO*^'^  1787  the  Town  meet  according  to 
there  adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned 

14'>'  voted  that  m''  Elijah  vvillard  attend  the  Conven- 
tion at  there  Next  Conveneing  &  Likewife  voted  to  Defend 
m""  vvillard  ])roperty  in  Cafe  he  should  be  taken  in  perfon 
b}'  Government  for  attending  the  Convention  in  Cafe  he 
behaves  in  a  peaceable  orderly  manner  other  ways  he  is  to 
Refk  it  himfelf 

15'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  firft  Mon- 
day in   March   Next  at  four  'Colck  in   the  after  Noon  this 

meeting  is  adjourned  accordingl3' 

Phi«  Hartwell   Clerk 

march  y''  5^'^  1787  the  Town  being  meet  at  the  time 
of  the  adjournment  &  it  was  motioned  to  adjourn  this 
meeting  to  the  twelth  inftant  at  one  of  the  clock  in  the 
afternoon    the  meeting  is  Accordingly  adjourned. 

March  y'^  12  1787  the  Town  meet  on  the  adjourn- 
ment then  having  Recived  a  Circular  Letter  from  a  Com- 
mittee from  Lunenburg  Directing  to  send  a  perfon  to  meet 
a  Committe  in  worcefter  at  paches  taveran  to  Look  out 
Good  &  wife  men  to  set  as  senators  for  the  prefent  year 
The  committee  is  to  meet  on  the  Laft  munday  in  march 
at  three  a  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  at  said  patchs  Taveran 
the  Towm  Taken  the  matter  under  Confideration  &  voted 
to  send  Deacon  Daniel  Putnam  as  a  menber  to  meete  the 
Committee  of  the  several  Towns  in  the  County  of  w^or- 
cefter  for  the  Looking  out  Good  &  wife  men  to  serve  in 
the  senate  the  prefent  year  &  make  Return  to  the  Town 
of  there  Downngs  before  the  time  of  Choofing  said  offices 

[388]  February  y^  15*1^  1787  Then  Came  to  Live  in 
this  Town  by  the  Confent  of  Doc^  Jonas  Marfhall  Benja- 
min Jaquith  &  his  w^ife  Pheby  &  family  there  Names  are 
as  follows  Benjamin  Ifaac  Jofiah  Reuben  Afa  his  sons 
Daughters  Names  Pheby  Hannah  Lydea  all  Laft  from  Jef- 
frev^  in  New  Hamfhire  which  said  Doc'^  marfhall  Gave 
timeh^  Notice  to  the  Selectmen  of  said  fitchburg  of  Said 
family s  Comeing  to  town  &  the  place  of  there  Laft  Refi- 
dence. 


Towji  of  Fitchbtirgh.  339 

we  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  under 
Due  Confideration  Do  not  admit  of  Said  Benjamin  Ja- 
quith  &  wife  &  family  as  inhabitants  of  Said  fitch])urg 
but  Dcfire  them  to  Remove  to  there  Native  place  of  aboad 
for  Support  &  Do  order  the  same  to  be  Recorded  in  the 
book  of  Records 

r'"'  order  of  Selectmen 

Phinchas  Hartwcll    Town  Clerk 


,  ,  Worcefter  fs  To  Thomas  Cowdcn  T"''  one  of  the 
(sells) 

"".  ^     Constables   of  the  Town   of   of   fitchburg  in   said 

'     Count}' Greeting 

Thefe  are  in    the    Name    of    the    Commonwealth     of    the 

Mafsachufetts  to  will  and   Require  you  by  verble  warning 

as  the  Law  Directs  to  Notifie  and  warn  all  the  freeholders 

&  other  Inhabitants   of  the  Town   of  fitchburg  Qualified 

by  Law  to  vote  in   Town  meetings  to  aflemble  &  meet  at 

the  meeting  Houfe  in  fitchburg  on  munday  the  Nineteenth 

Day   of  this   Inftant  march   at   three  of   the   Clock   in   the 

after  Noon  then   &   there 'being    Duly   meet  &  formed    to 

act  on  the  following  articles  viz 

firft    to   Choofe  a  Moderator  to   Govern   said    Meeting 

2'>  to  see  what  method  the  Town  will  Take  to  Repair 
the  Great  Bridge  by  Cap^  John  Goodridgcs  or  act  any 
thing  theiron  as  they  shall  Think  proper 

3'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  Committee  to 
take  Care  of  the  Great  Bridges  the  prefent  year 

Here  of  fail  Not  and  make  a  Return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Dowings  there  on  to  some  one  of  us  on  or 
before  said  Day  and  Time  Given  under  our  Hands  &  seals 
at  iitchburg  this  fourteenth  Day  of  march  17S7     .     .     . 

Daniel  Putnam     \     selectmen 
Paul  wcathcrbcc  (  for  fitchburg 


Worcefter  fs  March  y^  19^"  17S7  In  ()l)C(liancc  to  this 
warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  free  Holders  and  other 
Inhabitance  of  the  Town  of  fitcliburg  to  meet  at  y'  time 
and  pkice  within  mentioned 

Thomas  Cowdin  1""   Conftablc 


340  The  Old  Records  of  the 

at  a  Lej^'al  Meeting  of  the  Inliabitants  of  the  Town 
of  fitehburg  Afsembled  March  y^'  19  1787 

firft  voted  Sc  Choofe  Daniel  Putnam  moderator  to 
Govern  s''  meeting 

2'y  voted  to  Repair  the  Great  Bridge  by  Cap*^  Good- 
ridges  Emeadiately  in  the  place  Now  stands 

y'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  see  to  the  Re- 
pairing of  the  Great  Bridge  the  Committee  Confift  of 
three  men  viz  M""  Afa  Perry  &  Cap*  John  Goodridge  & 
Cap*^  Jonathan  Wood  for  the  over  seeing  the  Repairing  of 
the  Bridge 

4iy  voted  that  the  Bridge  be  Repaired  by  New  string 
peaces  if  wanting  &  with  king  pofts  with  Iron  Stnrrups 
to  Confine  the  king  pofts  to  the  under  Gurt     .     .     . 

[389]  S'y  voted  to  Lett  out  the  Gitting  of  the  Necef- 
sary  Timber  for  the  bridge  to  the  Low^eft  bidder  by  the 
stick  or  sticks  as  the  Committee  shall  Think  beft  to  Re- 
pair the  Bridge  and  Likewife  the  Plank  for  the  Covering 
of  said  bridge    .... 

6'-^  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Take  Care  the 
Great  Bridges  the  prefent  year  this  Committee  Confift  of 
three  men  viz  Deacon  Kendell  Boutell  &  Ephraim  Kimball 
and  M*"  Afa  Perry  to  infpect  the  Bridges  and  to  Repair 
them  in  the  Cheepeft  way  for  the  Benifit  of  the  Towm 

7iy     voted    to     Difsolve    this    meeting    accordingly    the 

meeting  is  Difsolved 

Daniel  Putnam  moderator 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

Worcester  fs  To  Reuben  Smith  Constable  for  the 
^  '  ^  Town  of  Fitehburg  Greeting  Thefe  are  in  the 
^'^  '  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  the  MaiTachufetts 
^  '  '^  To  will  &  Rec[uire  3'ou  fourthwith  in  Due  Courfe 
of  Law  to  Notify  &  warn  all  the  freeholders  &  other 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitehburg  Qualified  by  Law 
to  vote  in  Town  meeting  to  Affemble  &  meet  at  the  meet- 
ing Houfe  in  fitehburg  on  Mundaj'^  the  fift  Day  of  Next  at 
Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the  forenoon  then  and  there  being 
Duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  to 
wit 


Tozvii  of  FitchbjirgJi.  341 

firit    to  Choofc  a  Moderator  to  Govern  s''  meeting 

2'^  to  Choofe  a  Town  Clerk  and  selectmen  &  other 
Town  offices  as  the  Law  Directs  or  act  an}'  thing  in 
Regard  to  the  Choice  of  Collectors  as  they  shall  think 
proper 

3'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  accept  of  such  Roads  as 
are  Laid  out  by  the  selectmen  or  there  order  or  Difcontinue 
any  old  Road  or  act  any  thing  there  on  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

4'y  to  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  money  the  Town  will 
Raife  to  keep  the  Highways  &  Bridges  in  Repair  the  i)rcf- 
ent  3'ear  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  think 
proper 

5'y  to  see  what  nicafure  the  Town  will  Take  to  sup- 
port the  poor  that  are  become  Chargeblc  to  said  Town 
or  act  any  thing  their  on  as  they  shall  Think  proper     .     . 

6'-^'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  abate  an}'  perfons  Rates 
or  any  part  there  of  in  any  of  the  former  Conftables  or 
Collectors  Lift  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  the}'  shall 
think  proper 

?'>■  to  see  if  the  Town  will  allow  such  accounts  as 
Shall  be  Laid  before  the  Town  for  Service  for  s''  Town  or 
act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  Think  proper 

8'y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  the  Swine  to  Go  at 
Large  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law  y«^  prefent  year 

Here  of  fail  Not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant 
with  your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or 
before  the  s'^  Day  Given  under  our  Hands  &  seals  this 
sixteenth  Day  of  February  A  D  1787 

Daniel  Putnam     |  selectmen 
Thomas  Stearns  |        h'or 
Paul  wcthcrbec    |  I'ilcliburg 

Worcefter  fs     ALarch  y^'  5^''  17S7 

By  virtue  of  the  within  warrnnt  1  have  Xotificd  and 
warned  all  the  freeholders  «S:  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  Qulified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  Aflemble  and  meet  at  the  Time  &  jilace  with- 
in mentioned 

Reuben  Smith   Conftable 


342  The  Old  Records  of  the 

['^IK)]  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg  affembled  on  Mareh  y'^  5*^''  1787 

firft  voted  &  Choofe  M*"  Afa  Perry  Moderator.  .  .  . 
Moderator 

2'y  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk  .  . 
Town  Clerk 

3'-^'  voted  &  Choofe  De-'^  Daniel  Putnam  Paul  wether- 
bee  David  M'^intire  Selectmen  for  the  prefcnt  year  .  .  . 
selectmen 

4'^  voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  the  Affeffors  for  s'' 
year Affeffors 

5'y  Voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Treaf- 
urer Town  Treafurer 

6^y  voted  &  Choofe  Leut  Seth  Phillips  for  a  Confta- 
ble  for  the  south  side  of  said  Town  for  the  prefent  j'car  .  . 
Conftable 

7'y  voted  &  Choofe  Samuell  Gibson  for  a  Conftable 
for  the  North  part  of  s*^  town Conftable 

8  voted  to  Choofe  the  under  offices  by  Hand  votes 

9  voted  &  Choofe  Cap*  Jonathan  Wood  &  Phin« 
Brown   wardens Wardens 

lO'J-  voted  &  Choofe  Thomas  Thurfton  &  Jofeph 
Downe  Tything  men Tything  men 

ll'y  voted  &  Choofe  Abijah  Goodridge  &  Hezekiah 
Hodgfkins  &  Kendel  Boutell  &  Amos  Sheldon  Thomas 
Cowden  Ju^'  Jonathan  Flint  Solomon  Calton  william 
Brown  John  Thurfton  Jv^  Eliphalet  perley  for  highwa}' 
Surveyours  the  prefent  3'ear  Jofeph  Gray  &  Seth  Phillip  in 
the  Room  of  Cowden  &  Sheldon    .    .    Highwa\'  surveyours 

12'y  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  sawyer  Jv*"  John  Ozburn 
John  Shiple  Daniel  wetherbee  Andrew  Goodel  Hogreves  .  . 
Hogreve 

13'y  voted  &  Choofe  Abraham  Gibson  Ju*"  Cap* 
Thomas   Hartwell Fire  wards 

14'y  voted  &  Choofe  John  upton  Surveyour  of  board 
Claboards  &  shingles  .  .  .  surveyour  of  board  Claboards 
shingles 

15'y  voted  &  Choofe  Jacob  Upton  &  Cap*  sam"  Bur- 
bank    Fence  Vewers 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  343 

16'y  voted  &  Choofe  Benjamin  Kemp  surve3'Our  of 
Hoops  &  staves Hoops  &  staves 

17'y  voted  &  Choofe  David  Farce  a  Sealer  of  meaf- 
urers  &  weight weights  &  meafurers 

18'-^  voted  &  Choofe  Mofes  Hale  a  Sealer  of  Leather  .  . 
sealer  of  Leather 

19'-''  voted  to  sufpend  the  Third  article  till  the  adjourn- 
ment Concerning  the  Roads 

20'y  voted  to  Raife  one  Hundred  &  fift}-  pounds  to 
keep  the  Highways  and  Bridges  in  Repair  the  prcfcnt  year 

150-0-0 

21'y  voted  that  Everv  Highway  surveyour  that 
Receives  a  Lift  of  fifteen  pound  to  work  out  shall  Go  with 
six  hands  on  the  Road  up  by  W  Jacob  Uptons  to  work 
so  in  propotion  more  or  Leffer  sums  the  prcfcnt  year 

[*ii)l]  22'>'  voted  that  the  money  Raifed  to  Mend 
the  Highways  be  Laid  out  as  was  Laft  year  by  the  Hour 
&  oxen  a  Day  &  Tools  for  that  service  as  was  allowed 
the  Laft  year    .... 

23  voted  that  the  money  to  be  worked  out  that  was 
to  mend  the  Highway  by  the  firft  of  November  Next  and 
the  surveyours  is  to  make  a  Return  of  there  Lifts  to  the 
Aflefsors  by  the  middle  of  s^'  November  with  there  Dow- 
ings  thereon     .... 

to  ad  the  Delinquent  perfons  to  the  Town  Rate  bill 
that  hath  not  worked  there  Rate  out  that  the  money 
may  be  Collected  by  the  Conftable        .... 

24'>'  voted  that  mr^  Hart  be  Bid  of  at  the  Loweft 
bidder  by  the  year 

•     25'y     voted  that  the  other  poor  be  bid  of  by  the  week 
while  they  Remain  a  Town  Charge 

voted  to  pafs  over  putting  out  the  poor  for  the  prefent 

26'-^'  voted  that  the  selectmen  infpect  the  Collectors 
Rate  Bills  on  accompts  of  seeing  what  perfons  Rates  muft 
Necefsaryly  be  abated  &  Lay  the  matter  before  the  Town 
for  there  acceptance  at  the  adjournment     .... 

27  voted  to  allow  Cap^  Jonathan  Wood  his  account 
for  providing  for  mi''  smith  &  Nufsing  said  woman  in 
Child  Baring  which  sum  is 2-4-0-0 

28  voted   to  allow   M'    Blaney    Thillips    his    accompt 


344  The  Old  Records  of  the 

for  keeping  Ifral  smith   twelve   vveaks  and  other  matters 
as  appears  by  said  accompt  &  Cloathing  for  s''  Bov    .    . 

l-D-O-O 

29  voted  to  allow  M*"  Thomas  Stearns  his  aecount 
as  an  Affefsor  for  the  whole  of  the  year  1786  &  other 
matters   from   y^'  12  of  September   Laft     ....     1-5-3-0 

30  —  voted  to  Let  the  swine  Run  at  Large  under  the 
Regulation  of  the  Law  the  prefent  year 

31  voted  to  Exeufe  M""  samull  Gibson  from  serving 
Conftable  for  the  North  side  of  said  Town  his  paying 
three  pounds  to  the  Town  for  his  being  Excufed  &  serves 
for  his  turn 

32  —  voted  to  allow  Paul  Wetherbee  his  accompt  for 
Necfsary  buifmefs  for  service  for  the  Town     .     .     0-13-6- 

33  —  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  houfe  of 
Efq*"  Cowdens  for  one  half  hours 

the  meeting  being  opned  &  proceeded  as  follows 

34  voted  to  pay  M*"  John  Ozburn  six  pound  &  six 
pence  for  supporting  mi®  Hart  one  whole  year  so  in  pro- 
potion  if  she  should  not  Live  the  year  out  then  proceeded 
provide  for  M""  Ephraim  smiths  family 

firft  —  Ephraim  smith  Bid  of  to  Cap^  John  Goodridge 
to  board  at  1/4  a  week  Labour  in  while  boarding 

2  — Mr^  smith  bid  of  &  one  Child  to  Leu*  seth  Phillips 
at  1/11  a  week  while  she  stays  there 

3  — Ifral  smith  bid  of  to  David  Hodgfkins  at  1/4  a 
week  to  Lodge  &  board 

4-— Eli  smith  Bid  of  to  william  Reed  at  2/3  a  week 
to  Lodge  &  board 

5  —  Lydia  williams  bid  of  by  Afeph  Goodridge  at  1/8 
a  week  to  Lodg  &  board 

35'y  —  voted    to    adjourn    this    meeting    to    the    second 

Munday  of  this  inftant  march  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the 

after  Noon  at  the  Meeting  Houfe  this  meeting  is  adjourned 

accordingly 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

March  y«^  12  1787  the  Town  meet  at  the  Time  of 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  proceeded  as  follows 

36— voted  that  the  Loweft  Bidder  vix^y  be  the  Col- 
lector to  serve  the  prefent  year  for  each  side  of  said  Town 


Town  of  FitcJiburgJi.  346 

to  Collect  the  publick  Taxes  the}'  finding  Good  Bondsman 
to  the  acceptance  of  the  Town  for  the  faithful!  Difcharge 
of  there  Duty  in  all  there  Collections     .... 

[21)2]  27'>'  voted  to  allow  Deacon  Daniel  Putnam 
his  account  for  services  Done  in  the  Towns  behalf  to 
march  y'^  5  17<S7   Exclufive  affscilng  bufinefs   .    .    '-■l-''12-''0 

28'y  voted  to  adjourn  this  Meeting  Down  to  the 
Houfe  of  Hfqr  for  one  Half  Hour 

the  meeting  being  ojincd  &  proceeded  as  follows    .    .    . 

Jonas  Smith  bid  of  by  M''  Jofeph  Phelps  he  allowing 
s''  1)oy  two  pair  of  Troufes  and  one  Toe  Shirt  provided 
he  should  stay  in  Town 

29'>'  Thomas  Cowden  J'V  Hid  of  the  Collecting  of  the 
publick  Taxes  on  the  south  side  of  said  Town  at  three 
pound  ten  shillings  on  the  Hundred  ]X)und  that  he  shall 
Collect  &  pay  in  to  the  Treafurer 

aOthiy  voted  to  accept  of  Leu*  Seth  Phillips  in  the 
Room  of  Thomas  Cowden  to  Collect  the  Taxes  on  the 
south  side  of  said  Town  at  the  three  pound  ten  shilling 
on  y"-"  hundred  he  shall  Collect  &  pay  in  where  ordred  so 
in  propotion  for  a  Cireator  or  Lefser  sum  he  should  Colect 
&  pay  in 3-10-0- 

31'y  Thomas  Cowden  Jun"  Bid  of  the  Collecting  of 
the  publick  Taxes  on  the  North  side  of  said  Town  for 
three  pound  Twelve  shillings  on  the  Hundred  pound  he 
shall  Collect  &  pay  in  where  ordred  so  in  propotion 
wheather  a   Greater  or   Leffer  sum 3-12-0 

32  voted  to  accept  of  XP  Blany  Phillips  &  Cap*  John 
Goodridge  as  l)ondsman  for  Leu*  seth  Phillips  for  the 
faithfull  Difcharg  of  his  Duty  in  Collecting  the  ])u1)lick 
money  &  paying  the  same  in  &  where  ordred  with  the 
County  &  Town  Taxes  Likewife    .... 

33  voted  to  accept  of  AP  David  APintire  &  Leu*  Paul 
Wetherbee  as  bondsmen  for  Thomas  Cowdin  J"''  for  the 
faithfull  Difcharg  of  his  Duty  in  Collecting  the  i)ublick 
Taxes  &  })aying  the  same  in  <.\:  where  ordred  with  the 
County  &  Town  Taxes  Likewife 

34Uiiy  voted  &  Choofe  Thomas  Cowden  j""  Coni'tablc 
for  the  North  side  of  said  Town  in  the  Room  of  Samucll 
Gibson  for  the  year  1787 


346  The  Old  Records  of  the 

35  voted  that  the  bonds  be  made  out  and  the  parties 
all  sign  the  bonds  before  the  meeting  be  Difsolved 

36  voted  that  the  selectmen  or  Affefsors  be  impovverd 
to  abate  any  of  the  Taxes  in  the  hands  of  any  of  the  old 
Collectors  or  Conftables  that  appears  not  Recoverable  & 
not  Legualy  affefcd 

37'y  voted  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  firft 
munday  in  April  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after 
Noon  at  the  meeting  Houfe  this  meeting  is  accordingly  ad- 
journed 

April  y'^  2"*^  1787  the  Town  meet  according  to  there 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  proceeded  as  follows 

38  voted  &  Choofe  Jofeph  Gray  in  the  Room  of  Amos 
Shelden  Highway  surveyour 

39  voted  &  Choofe  Leu*^  Seth  Phillips  Highwa^-^  sur- 
veyour in  the  Room  of  Thomas  Cowdin  J"/ 

3Qthiy  voted  to  accept  of  Leu^  Paul  wetherbee  as 
Bonds  man  for  Thomas  Cowden  Ju*"  in  the  Room  of  Amos 
Ordway 

voted  To  Difsolve  This  meeting 

Afa  Perry   Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  T  Clerk 

[393]     Worcefter  fs  To   Leu^  Seth    Phillips   Conftable 
.„     .      for  the  Town   of  fitchburg  Greeting    .     .     .     Thefe 
^„  "  ^     are  in    The    Name  of   the    Commonwealth    of  the 
Maffachufetts  to  will  &  Require  you  in  Due   Corfe 
of  Law   fourthwith  to  Notifie  all  the  male  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town   of  Fitchburg  of  Twent_v   one    years  of   age  & 
upwards   haveing  a  freehold   Eftate   within   this   Common- 
wealth   of    the    annutd    income    of    three    pounds    or  any 
Eftate  of  sixty  pounds   to  affemble  and   meet  at  the  meet- 
ing Houfe  in  fitchburg  on  Alunda^^  the  scond   Day  of  april 
Next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon   then  &  there 
being  DuW  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles 
firft    to  Give  in  yonx  votes  for  a  Governour 
2'5^    to  Give  in  your  votes  for  a  Leu*  Governour 
3'y    to  Give    in  your    votes  for    five  Senators  for  the 
year  in  suing 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  347 

Hereof  fail  not  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  at  or  before  the 
Day  above  mentioned  Given  under  our  hands  &  seals 
this  Nineteenth  Day  of  this  inftant  march  and  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1787    .... 

Daniel  Putnam  \     selectmen 
Paul  Wetherbee  j  for  I-'itchburg 

Worcefter  fs    April  y^'  2"'^  A  D  1787 

In  obediance  to  this  warrant  I  have  Notified  & 
warned  all  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg 
Qulafied  to  vote  in  this  meeting  as  the  within  warrant 
Directs 

Seth  Phillips   Conftable 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  affemble  on  Munday  the  second  Da}-  of 
April  1787 

firft    voted   &  Choofe    for  a  Governor    his    Excellency    no 
James  Bowdin  No  of  votes  5 

voted  for  the  Honourjible  John  Hancock  Efq*"  for  Gov- 
ernor No  votes  5G 
voted  for  the  Honourable  Benjamin   Linclon    I^f([''  for 

Governour  No  votes  —3 

2'y    the  following  Gentlemen  ware  voted  for  Leu^  Gov- 
ernors 
votes  for  the  Honourable    Thomas   Cufhen   Efcj''   Lcu^ 

Govrnour  No  of  votes  39 

votes  for  the  Honourable   Benjamin   Linclon    Wk)^  Leu^ 

Governor  No  of  votes  -5 

3'y    The  following  Gentlemen  w^are  voted  for  Senators 
votes  for  the  Honourable  Abel  Wilder  No  of  votes  50 

votes  for  Jonathan  Grout  Efci'  votes  No     47 

votes  for  De-'^  Jofeph  stone  votes  No  -  47 

votes  for  Cap*  Peter  penncman  votes  No  -  47 

votes  for  samuell  Curtifs  Ivf(|'  votes  No  -  47 

vets  for  Isral  Nicholas  Ivf(|'  vols    No  -    2 

vots  for  Mofes  Gill  IvRj'  votes  No  -     1 

votes  for  Samuell  Baker  I'>f(|''  vots    No  -    2 

vots  for   Cap  sam'J    ward vots    No  -    1 

John  Fefendon  Eft]''  Xo  -    1 


348 


The  Old  Records  of  the 


Seth  warfhburn  Efcf 
Bezclcl   Tafts     .     . 


No 
No- 

I  Select  men 


Daniel  Putnam 
Paul  Wcther])ee  \        for 
David  Mcintirc  J  Fitchbur^ 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


subfcribed  the 

oath  of  elegence 

as  Requird 

bv  Law 


[294] 
Worcefter  fs  )  This  may  Certifie  that  the  Several  offices 

April  y'^  4"'  1787)  Required  By  Law  Have  Taken  There 
oaths  as  Required  by  Law  &  Likewife 
Subfcribed  the  oath  of  Ellegiance  to 
this  Commonwealth  of  Mafsachufetts 
to  Qulifie  them   to  act  in  there  Refpec- 

tive  offices  accordingly 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Taken   the  oaths  by 
Law  for  Town  Clerk  &  Treafurer 
Daniel    Putnam     &    Paul    Wetherbee  & 
David   M'^intire    Taken    the  oaths  select- 
men &  Affefsors 

Seth  Phillips  &  Thomas   Cowdin  J"J  Taken   the  oaths 

by  Law  for Conftables  &  Collectors 

Cap*  Jonathan   Wood  &   Phinehas    Brown   Taken  the 

oath  Required  by  Law wardens 

Jofeph  Downe  &  Lu*  Thomas  Thurfton  Taken  the  oath 

Required  by  Law T^-thing  men 

Cap*  samlL  Burbank  Fence  vewer  Taken  his  oath     .     . 

Fence  vewer 
David   Parce  Choofen  a  sealer  of  meafurers  Taken  his 

oath sealer  of  meafurers 

John  Thurfton  J"/  &  Abijah  Goodridge  Eliphalet  perley 

Taken  y^  oath Highway  surveyours 

worcefter  fs 

march  y^"  S'^   1788    This  .Certifies    The    Several    offices 
hereafter  Named  hath  Taken  the  oath  required  by  Law 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Taken  The  oath  Required  b3'  Law 
for  a  Town  Clerk 

Liu*  Paul   Wetherbe  Reuben   Smith  John   Thurfton  J"."" 
Taken  The  Oath  for  Affefsors 

Reuben  Smith  has  Taken  the  Oath  Required  for  a  Con- 
ftable  for  y*^  year  1788 


Toiun  of  Fitchburgh.  349 

Daniel  Ferwell  has  Taken  the  Oath  Recjuired  tor  a 
Collector  for  v*-"  year  1788 

Jacob  Allen  &  Stephen  Pingrey  J""^  Taken  the  Oath 
Required  for  Tything  men 

Jofeph  Fox  Samnell  Burbank  Abner  Sawyer  Taken  y^ 
Oath  for  Highway  Surveyours 

Ebenezer  Thurfton  Taken  the  Oath  Reiiuired  by  Law 
to  Serve  as  Town  Treafurer 

Mofes  Hale  Taken  the  Oath  Recjuired  by  Law  to  Serve 
Sealer  of  Leather 

Fitchburg  April  l«t  1788  M""  Hezekiah  Hodgskins  ap- 
peared before  Efq''  Cowden  hath  Taken  the  Oath  Required 
by  Law  to  Serve  as  Conftable  &  Likewife  The  Oath  of 
Ellegiance  to  this  Commonwealth  to  Qualifie  him  to  act 
in  his  Refpective  office 

Fitchburg  April  12^''  1788  This  Certifies  That  Phine- 
has  Hartwell  Ebenezer  Thurfton  &  John  Thurfton  J"'' 
Paul  wetherbee  Reuben  Smith  appeared  before  Efq""  Cow- 
den &  Took  and  Subfcribed  The  Oath  of  Allegiance  to 
this  Commonwealth  to  Oualifie  them  according  to  Law 
to  act  in  Their  Refpective  officefes  for  the  year  1788 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Clerk 

Worcefter  fs  March  y^  IG^''  1789  Phinehas  Hartwell 
Clerk  Ebenezer  Thurfton  Town  Treafurer  Alofes  Hale  Con- 
ftable Paul  wetherbee  John  Thurfton  J"""  Reuben  Smith  all 
Select  men  Did  appear  before  Efq*^  Cowden  Subfcribed  the 
Oath  of  Ellegiance  to  this  Commonwealth  of  malTachu- 
fetts  to  Qualifie  them  to  act  in  there  Refpective  Offices 
accordingly      Recorded  r*r  Phin«  Hartwell  Town  Clark 

m*"  Mofes  Hale  Taken  the  oath  to  serve  in  the  ofiice 
of  Conftable 

Lu*^  Thomas  Thurfton  cS:  William  Reed  Taken  the  oath 
to  serve  in  the  office  Tything  men 

['^95]     Worcefter  fs    To   Thomas    Cowdin    J'"^  of   the 

,       ,  .     Conftables  for  \'^'  Town  of  fitchburg  in  said  Countv 

(seals)     ,,       ,.  "  ,„,    ,  .        ,       ,, 

,       ,  .     Oreeting 1  hele    are    m    the    Name    of 

,       ,  ,     the  Commonwealth   of   the   MaiTachufctts   to   will 

and  Require  you  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  to  Xotifie 

&  warn  all  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  twenty  one  years  old 


350  The  Old  Records  of  the 

ik.  upwards  in  said  Town  Qualified  as  the  Conftctution 
Directs  to  vote  for  a  Keprcfentetive  to  Arfemble  &  meet 
at  the  mcetinj:^  Houfe  in  said  Town  on  wcdnefsday  the 
sixteenth  Day  of  may  next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the 
after  Noon  then  &  there  being  Duly  meet  and  formed  to 
act  on  the  following  articles  viz 

firft  to  Elect  and  Depute  some  Meet  perfon  Qulified 
as  the  Conftctution  Directs  to  Reprfent  said  Town  in  the 
Great  an  General  Court  the  year  infuing  or  act  any  thing 
thereon  in  Regard  to  the  Towns  Givin  Inftructions  to  the 
said  Reprefentetive  as  they  shall  think  proper    .... 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said  Day  Given  under  our 
Hand  &  seal  this  Thirtith  Day  of  April  1787 

Daniel  Putnam  ]  Select  men 
Paul  wetherbee  \        For 
David  M'^intire  J  Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs   Fitchburg  May  y^  16*^  1787 
In  obediance  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  warned  all 
the  Inhabitants  Qulified  by  Law  to  vote  for  a  Reprefente- 
tive to  meet  at  the  time  and  Place  within  mentioned 

Thomas  Cowden  J"''  Conftable 


At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  affembled  Ma3^  y*^  16*^^^  1787  the  meeting 
being  opened  the  Queftion  being  put  to  see  if  the  Town 
will  send  a  menber  to  Reprefent  them  in  the  Great  an 
General  Court  the  infuinging  year  &  it  paffed  in  the 
afifermitive  then  proceed  &  made  Choice  of  Deacon  Daniel 
Putnam  to  Reprfent  said  Towm   During  the  Genral  feflions 

'2}y  voted  to  Choofe  five  Men  for  a  Committee  to 
Draw  up  inftructions  to  inftruct  there  Repreentetive  During 
the  General  fefiTions 

3'y  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hartw-ell  Rorbart  Burn- 
ham  oliver  stickney  Elijah  willard  Afa  Perry  for  the  above 
purpofe 

voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  Eigheenth  Day 
of  this  inftant  may  at  two  of  the  Clock  in  the  afl^ler  Noon 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  351 

to   here   and   accept   of   the    Ke])ort   of   the    Coniinittee   to 
inftruet  there  Reprefentetive  Durin<^  the  Sefhons 

May  y''  18  1787  The  Town  meet  according  to  ad- 
journment the  meeting  being  opned   &   proceed  as  follows 

voted  to  have  the  inftructions  Read  before  the  Town 
article  by  article  then  ])roceeded  as  follows  article  firft 
accepted  as  stand  article  Second  accepted  as  stands  article 
Third  accepted  as  stands  article  fourth  accepted  as  stands 
article  fifth  accepted  as  stands  article  sixth  accepted  as 
stands  article  seventh  accepted  article  Eigth  accepted  as 
stands 

Then  voted  they  shall  be  Delivered  to  the  Reprefente- 
tive for  his  inftructions  During  the  General   Sefllons  ot   the 

General  Court 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 


[20r»]     Woreeftcr  fs    To  Thomas   Cowden  J"-"  Confta- 

,  ,     ble    for    the    Town   of   Fitchburg  in  said    County 

,  ,  ,  Greeting  Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Common- 
(seals) 

,  ;  wealth  of  the  MalTachufetts  to  will  and  Require 
(seals)  •  - 

you  forth   with  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law   to   Notifie 

and  warn  all  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  said 
Town  of  fitchburg  Qulified  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  aflemble  and  meet  at  the  Meeting  Houfe  in 
said  Town  on  wednefsday  the  sixteenth  Day  of  ma}'  Next 
at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  &  there 
being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  arti- 
cles viz 

firft     to  Choofc  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  Meeting 
2'-''     to  see  il    tlie   Town    will   abate   any  of  the   profeft 
Rai)ttft    niinifters   Rate   in   any   of   the   Conftables   or   Col- 
lectors   Lifts  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  Think 
proper 

3'^'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  vote  to  Come  into  any 
General  Rule  in  Regard  to  Carring  on  the  singing  ])art  of 
the  public  worship  of  God  and  whcather  the  singers  shall 
sing  a  part  of  the  Time  without  Reading  &  how  the 
pfalm  shall  be  Read  whcather  h\  Line  or  verfe  or  act  any 
thing  thereon  as  they  shall  Think  proper 


352  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Hereof  fail  Not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before 
said  Day  Given  under  our  hands  &  seals  this  30'^'^  Day 
of  April"  1787 

Daniel  Putnam   )  Seleetmen 
Paul  Wetherbce  \        for 
David  M^intire   J  Fitchburg 


Worcefter  fs  Fitchburg  y'^  16  May  1787  In  obedi- 
ancc  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  warned  all  the  free- 
holders and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg 
to  meet  at  the  Time  and  Place  within  mentioned 

Thomas  Cowdin  J"""  Conftable 

at  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  Affembled  affembled  May  y^  16^^  1787    .     .     . 

firft  voted  &  Choofe  M*"  Afa  Perry  Moderator  to 
Govern  said  Meeting 

2iy  voted  to  act  on  the  second  article  in  the  warrant 
in  Regard  to  the  profeft  Baptift  pa^'ing  the  minifter  Rate 
to  the  standing  order 

3'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  take  into  Con- 
fideration  wheather  the  Baptift  shall  be  held  to  pay  the 
standing  minifter  in  said  Town  &  make  Report  at  the 
adjournment  voted  to  Choofe  three  perfons  as  a  Committee 
viz  Deacon  Kendall  Boutell  Daniel  Ferwell  Lu*^  William 
Brown  voted  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  fryday  y'^  18 
of  this  inftant  may  at  three  a  clock  in  the  after  Noon 

May  y'^  18*^^  1787  the  Town  meet  according  to  the 
adjournment  &  proceed  as  follows  to  here  a'*^  Report  of  y^ 
Committee  and  the  other  article  on  hand  that  was  ad- 
journed      

4iy  voted  to  Sing  five  times  in  the  vvorfhiping  on  the 
Lords  Day  in  the  following  manner  the  firft  singing  before 
prayer  without  Reading  after  prayer  with  Reading  Line 
b3'  Line  and  set  such  Tunes  as  the  Congregation  Can  in 
General  sing  firft  in  the  after  Noon  before  pra^-er  without 
Reading  after  prayer  with  Reading  after  sermon  without 
Reading 


Tozun  of  FitcJibiirgh.  353 

[*^1>7]  G'y  the  Committee  Reported  that  they  had 
Examined  the  Conftetution  &  thought  proper  that  the 
the  Conftetution  should  be  Laid  before  the  Town  Confern- 
ing  the  Baptifs  part3'  in  Consideration  of  thear  paying  or 
be  held  to  pay  to  the  Town  the  minifter  Tax  &c 

the  petition  Laid  before  the  Town  whieh  after  Some 
Deliberation  on  said  matters  the  Town  proceeded  as  fol- 
lowes 

6'>'  voted  that  the  peoj)le  in  said  Town  that  are  pro- 
feft  Baptift  that  petitioned  to  the  Town  in  the  year  1784 
that  signed  the  petition  Laid  before  the  Town  be  Dif- 
charged  from  paying  the  minifter  Rate  after  said  3'ear  in 
eaeh  of  the  Conftables  or  Collector  List  to  wards  support- 
ing the  Gofpel  and  Like  wife  samucll  Gibson  Lemuel  Haf- 
kell  Semieon  Shattick  Elijah  willard  to  be  Exemted  from 
paying  the  minifter  Tax  from  the  year  1780  ...  to  the 
Date  of  said  petition 

7'y  that  W\  abraham  willard  be  aded  to  the  petition 
&  have  the  same  priviledge  as  Thofe  That  Did  petition  he 
Clearing  his  minifter  tax  Raifed  in  1783  and  after  to  be 
exemted  as  the  others 

The  petitioners  are  Thofe 
Charles  Willard  Elijah  Willard  Lemull  Hafkell 

David  \Lintire  Elijah  AL'intire  Thomas  Gibson 

Samull  Gibson  Solomon  Gibson       Jofeph  PoUey 

David  whitemore       William  Hafkell        Jonathan  Page 
Ephraim  Niles  Daniel  willard  Simeon  Shattick 

Ei)hr;iiiii  Howard      Abraham  Willard  aded  to  y^"  petition 

the  petition  baring  Date  December  1783 

8'y    voted  this  meeting  Difsolved 

Afa  Perry  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


(seal) 
(seal) 


Worcefter  fs  To  seth  Phillips  one  of  the  Conftables 
for  the  Town  of  in  said  Count^^  ....  Greeting 
Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
MalTaehufetts  to  will  and  Require  you  fourthwith  in  Due 
Courfe  of  Law  to  Notifie  and  warn  all  the  freeholders  and 
other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  I'itchburg  (Julified  By 
Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  alTemblc  and  meet  at  the 

23 


354  The  Old  Records  of  the 

meeting  lioule  in  said  Town  on  tuefday  the  tweltli  Day  c)f 
June  Next  at  four  a  Clock  in  the  alter  No(mi  then  & 
there   being   Duly  meet  &  formed    to   act   on    the  following 

articles  viz 

lirft  to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 
2'>'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  an  Agent  or  Agents 
or  a  Committee  to  Difcharge  the  Town  of  Ephraim  Smith 
and  his  family  and  Secure  to  the  Town  the  Coft  and 
Damage  that  the  Town  hath  Recovered  at  the  Laft  Court 
againft  Caj)*^  Elifha  Smith  on  account  of  said  family  being 
Thrown  on  this  Town  for  Support 

Hereof  fail  Not  and  Make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said  Day  Given  under  our 
Hand   &  seals  at    fitchburg    this    twenty    Eighth    Day   of 

may  A  D  1787  — 

Daniel  Putnam  \  Selectmen  for 
Paul  wetherbee  )      Pitchburg 

[208]     Worcefter  fs 

In  obediance  to  this  warrant  I  have  Notified  &  warned 
all  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  fitch- 
burg Qulitied  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  Aflem- 
ble  as  the  within  warrant  Directs 

Seth  Phillips   Conftable 


At  A  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  fitchburg  Affembled  on  June  the  12*1^  1787  the  Meeting 
Being  opned  &  proceeded  as  followes 

firft  voted  &  Choofe  Efq*"  Cowdin  Moderator  to  Gov- 
ern s^  meeting 

2b'  voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  twenty  firft 
Day  of  this  inftant  June  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after 
Noon    the  meeting  accordingly  adjourned 

June  y*'  21=*^  1787  The  Town  meet  on  the  adjourn- 
ment   the  Meeting  being  opned  and  proceeded  as  follows 

3b'  voted  to  Chufe  an  Agent  to  profecute  and  Carrey 
on  the  Law  sute  Comminfed  Againft  Cap*  Elifha  Smith 
on  account  of  Ephraim  Smith  and  family  being  Thown 
on  the  Town  of  fitchburg    .... 


Tozvn  of  Fitchbiirgh.  355 

4'>'  voted  &  Choofe  Doc'^  Jonas  Marfhcll  an  A^ent  in 
behalf  of  the  Town  to  Carrey  the  procefs  againft  said 
Elifha  Smith  up  to  final  Judgment  and  Execution  in 
behalf  of  the  Town 

5'-^'     voted  this  meeting  Difsolved 

Thomas  Cowdin    Moderator 
riiinehas  Hart  well  Town  Clerk 

,       ,,  Worcefter  fs    To   Thomas    Cowden   I"''  one  of  the 

(seal) 

,       /  Conftables  for  v'' Town  of  Fitchburg  in  said  Countv 

(seal)  .  "  . 

,        '  Greeting Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the 

Commonwealth    of    the    Maffaehufetts    to    will    & 

Require  you   in   Due   Courfe  of  Law  to   Notifie  and   warn 

all  the  Freehoulders   and   other  Inhabitance  of  the  Town 

of  Fitchburg  Qulafied   By  Law   to  vote  in  Town  meetings 

to  Affemble  &  meete  at  y^'  meeting  Houfe  in  said  Town  on 

Tuefday    the    Eleventh    Day    of  Sep^  Next    at    one  of   the 

Clock  in  the  after  Noon   Then  &  their  being   Duly  meet  & 

formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  (viz)     .     .     . 

firft    to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  s^  meeting 

2'-^'  to  Raife  money  to  support  y*'  Revern''  John  Pay- 
fon  the  prefent  year 

3'y — to  see  what  sum  or  sums  of  mone\'  the  Town 
will  Raife  to  support  the  school  or  schools  the  prefent 
year  or  act  any  Thing  there  on  as  they  shall  think  proper 

4'y — to  see  what  method  the  Town  will  Take  to  pro- 
vide the  Revern'i  m*"  paN'fons  wood  the  prefent  \^ear    .     .     . 

5'y  to  Raife  money  to  support  mr**  Hart  &  the  other 
poor  that  are  become  Chargeable  to  said  Town     .     .     . 

6'>'  to  see  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  money  the  Town 
will  Raife  to  Defray  there  Necefsary  Charges  the  i)refent 
year  or  act  anything  there  on  as  they  shall  Think   proper 

['^09]  7'-''  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  Com- 
mittee to  Recon  with  the  Town  Trcafurcr  and  make  Re- 
port to  the  Town     .... 

8'^'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  saxon  to  take 
Care  of  the  meeting  Houfe  the  prefent  year     .     . 

9'>'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Give  their  Reprefentetive 
any  futher  inftructions  in  Regard  to  any  matter  that  shall 
Come  before  the  General  Court  at  there  Next  SelVion 


356  The  Old  Records  of  the 

!()'>■  to  sec  if  the  Town  will  sell  the  Ouns  and 
Boyanots  that  arc  the  Towns  property  or  act  any  thing 
there  on  as  they  shall  Think  ])r()per 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before 
said    Day   Given   under   our   hand   &   seal   This  22''  Day  of 

Auguft  A  D  1787 

Daniel  Putnam  j  selectmen 
Paul  wethcrbee  \       for 
David  M'^^intire  ]  fitchburg 

In  obediance  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  warned  all 
the  freehoulders  &  other  inhabitants  of  the  Tow^n  of  fitch- 
burg  to  meet  at  the  Time  &  place  wnthin  mentioned 
Sept  yc  11th  1787  Tho^'  Cowden  ]"«■  Conftable 

At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  fitchburg  Affembled  sep*  \V^  1787 

firft    voted  &  Choofe  Daniel  Putnam  moderator    .     . 

2'y  voted  to  Raife  66-13-4  to  support  y^  Revr^  M-" 
Payfon  y^  prefent  year 66—13-4 

3'y  voted  to  Raife  ^45  to  support  the  schools  in  each 
Qurter  of  the  the  Town 45-0-0- 

and  thalt  each  Quarter  Draw  there  Equal  propotion  of 
money  as  was  Laid  out  for  the  Quarters  Laft  year    .     .     . 

4'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  provide  school- 
ing in  each  Quarter  of  the  Town 

S'y  voted  &  Choofe  Six  perfons  viz  Ephraim  Kimball 
Paul  wetherbe  John  Thurfton  J"*"  Cap*  Reubon  Gibson 
Abraham  Willard  A  fa  Perrey  as  a  Committe  to  provide 
schooling  in  each  Quarter  of  y*^  Town 

6'^  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  provide  M*"  Pay- 
fon 30  Cord  of  Good  wood  the  Cheepeft  manner  they  Can 
for  the  Benefitt  of  said  Town 

7  voted  &  Choofe  three  perfons  viz  Afa  perry  Eph- 
raim Kimball  Samuell  Burbank  for  s*^  Committee 

8'y  voted  to  Raife  ^30  pound  to  support  the  poor  the 
Prefent  year 30-0-0- 

9'y  voted  to  Pafs  over  the  sixth  article  in  the  war- 
rant in  Regard  to  Railing  money  till  the  meeting  at  the 
adjournment  of  the  meeting    .... 


Town  of  FitclibiirgJi.  367 

lO'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Rccon  with  tiic 
Town  Treafurer  &  make  Report  at  the  mcetiiif^  on  the 
adjournment  the  Committee  Confift  of  three  perlbns  Dan- 
iel Putnam  Paul  wetherbee  David  M'^intire 

ll'>'  voted  &  Choofe  Ephraim  Kimball  saxon  to  take 
Care  of  the  meeting  houfe 

12'>'  voted  to  Difmifs  the  Ninth  article  in  the  warrant 
in  Regard  to  Giving  Their  Reprefentetive  futher  inftruc- 
tions  the  Nex  seflions     .... 

13'y  voted  to  sell  the  Guns  &  Boynets  Rut  after 
Reconfidered  the  vote  on  the  adjournment 

14'y  voted  to  adjourn  This  meeting  to  the  25  Day  of 
this  Inftant  September  at  Two  of  the  Clock   in  the  after 

Noon  the  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

[300]  Sept  25^11  1787  The  Town  meet  according  to 
the  adjournment  the  meeting  Being  opned  Proceeded  as 
follows 

15'y  voted  to  Accept  of  the  settlement  as  Reported  By 
the  Towns  Committee  with  the  Treafurer  &  to  be 
Recorded    

16'y    voted   to  Raife  seventy   five  pounds   as  an   Addi- 


adition —  ^^75-  0-0 

minifter —  66—13—4 

school—  4-5-  0-0 


tion  to  what  was  Raifed  before 

17'y  voted  to  Reconfidcr 
the  vote  in  Regard  to  Selling  the 
Guns  &  Boy  nuts  )  Poor—  80-  0-0 

18'y  voted  that  the  Guns  & 
Boynuts    be    prized    and    Com-    Total  216-13  4 

mitted  into  the  hand  of  Cap^  John  Goodridge  he  to 
Give  the  Town  his  securety  of  what  they  shall  be  proized 
at  &  he  to  keep  said  Guns  &  Boynuts  for  the  Town  ufe 
if  wanting  for  thofe  that  Cant  provide  for  themselves  as 
the  Law  Directs 

voted   &    Choofe   the  select   men   for  s''   Committee  to 
prize  said  Guns  &  Deliver  them  to  said  Cap'  Goodridge 

voted  this  meeting  Difsolved 

Daniel   Putnam    Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


358  The  Old  Records  of  the 

,^     ,  ,     Worcester  k   To    Scth    Phillips   (one  of   the  Con- 

\  '^  ftribles  of   the  Town  of  Fitchburg  in  said  County 

^c  '^  i\     ^'I'^'cting     ....     Thcfe  are  in    the   Name  of  the 

'  Commonwealth      of      Maffachufetts     to     will     & 

Require  you  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  to  Notifie  and  warn 
all  the  freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  Qulified  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to 
aflemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  House  in  said  Town  on 
Thurfday  the  Elevinth  Day  of  October  Next  at  Two  of  the 
Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  &  there  being  Duly  mett 
&  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles     .... 

firft    to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'y  to  see  what  method  the  Town  will  Take  to  Repair 
the  Great  Bridge  or  Bridges  that  is  Damaged  by  the  Late 
frefhett  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  Think 
proper 

3'-^  to  see  if  the  Towm  will  Raise  anj^  sum  of  money 
for  y'^  Repairing  3'^  Bridges 

4'y  see  if  3''^  Town  will  Take  into  confideration  what 
the  Courts  Committee  Did  in  Regard  to  Laying  out  a 
a  New  Road  Near  Tho^  Cowdin  Efcf  or  act  any  thing 
thereon  as  they  shall  Think  proper 

5^y  to  see  if  the  Tow-n  will  make  any  allowence  to 
any  of  the  Collectors  that  have  Received  any  Countefite 
paper  mone3^  or  act  an3'  thing  thereon  as  the3'  shall  think 
proper    .... 

6'y  To  See  if  Town  will  petition  to  the  Court  of 
SefTions  to  alter  and  Turn  the  County  Road  in  this  Town 
&  have  it  Go  By  Afeph  Goodridges     .... 

[301]  Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  war- 
rant to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said  Da3^  Given 
under  our  hands  &  seals  this  twenty th  fifth  Day  of  Sep- 
tember A  D  1787 

Daniel  Putnam  ^  Selectmen 
Paul  wetherbee  }        for 
David  M^^intire  j  fitchburg 

Worccfter  fs 

In  obedince  to  this  warrant  I  have  Notified  and 
warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg    Qulified    By    Law    to    vote    in    Town 


Town  of  FitcJibiirgh.  359 

meetinjT  as   the   within    warrant    Directs   to   aiTembled    an 
meet  at  tlie  Time  &  Phice  within  mentioned 

Seth  Phillips   Conftabie 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  y""  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  fitchburg  aiTemblcd  October  y^'  11^''  1787  the  meeting 
being  opned  &  proceeded  as  followes     .... 

1  voted  &  Choofe  De^>  Daniel  Putnam  Moderator  of 
s''  meeting 

2'y  voted  that  a  Committee  1:)e  Choofen  to  over  See 
the  Building  of  the  Great  Bridge  Near  Cap*^  John  Good- 
ridges  and  said  Committee  be  impowered  and  Directed  to 
sect  Thofe  perfons  to  work  that  are  Delinquent  in  paying 
of  there  Taxes  and  are  unable  to  pay  them  any  other  waj' 
to  the  Collectors  and  allow  said  perfons  for  there  service 
at  the  bridge  the  time  he  is  faithfull  in  the  Service  accord- 
ing to  the  Difcreftion  of  Said  Committee 

3     voted  that  this  Committee  Confift  of  five  perfons 

4'y  voted  &  Choofe  Tho^  Cowden  Efcf  Doc*  Jonas 
Marsfhell  Afa  Perry  Cap*  John  Goodridge  Hezekiah  Hodg- 
skins  for  said  Committee 

5'>'  voted  that  the  Committee  speedialy  proceed  in 
Building  of  said  Bridge  and  they  be  impowered  to  procure 
timber  for  said  Bridge  &  Carpender  Labour  as  is  Xeedfull 
for  said  service 

6'y  voted  to  pafs  over  the  Third  article  in  the  war- 
rant in  Regard  to  Raifing  monc}-  to  Repair  said  Bridge 

7'>  voted  to  adjourn  This  meeting  to  munda\'  the 
fifteenth  Day  of  this  Inftant  October  at  two  of  the  Clock 
in  the  after  Noon  this  meeting  is  adjourned  accordingly 

Phin^  Hart  well  Town  Clerk 

October  15*''  1787  the  Town  meet  according  to  their 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  &  proceed  as  followes 

8'>'  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  petition  to  the 
Quarter  fefhons  for  a  Courts  Committee  to  Rcvew  a 
County  Road  Newly  altered  by  a  Courts  Committee  Near 
I'vfq'  Cowdins  and  accepted  by  said  Court  and  see  if  it 
Cant  be  altered  to  where  it  was  formerly  Laid  out  &  trod 
By  adding  (uic  Rod  to  the  we<llh  of  said  Road  to  Convean 
the  same 


360  The  Old  Records  of  the 

O'"^'  voted  this  Committee  Conlift  of  three  pcrfons 
voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Sawyer  &  M""  Robert  Burnham 
&  Phinehas  Hart  well  for  s'^  Committee 

10'-''  voted  and  Choofe  M""  Phinehas  Sawyer  as  their 
agent  in  behalf  of  the  Town  seprate  from  the  other  Com- 
mittee to  prefent  the  petition  before  the  Quarter  fefTions 
for  a  hearing  &  to  Carre3'  it  into  Execution  and  final 
Determination    .... 

ll'y  voted  not  to  allow  any  of  the  Collectors  for  y^ 
Countifitt  paper  money  they  have  Reeived  for  Taxes  either 
for  state  tax  or  Town     .... 

12'y  voted  to  pafs  over  the  sixth  article  in  the  war- 
rant 

13'y    voted    to    Diffolve    this   meeting    this  meeting  is 

Diffolved  accordingly 

Daniel  Putnam  moderator 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

[302]    Worcefter  fs 

To  Tho^   Cowden   J"''  one  of  the  Constables    for    the 

Town    of    Fitchburg    in    said     County    Greeting 

^^^^^     Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of 

^^^^^     Maffachusetts    to   will    and    Require    you    in    Due 

(Seals)     (^Q^j.|-g  Qf  L^^^,  ^^  Notifie  &  warn    all  the  male 

Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Qulified  as  the  Con- 
ftetution  Directs  to  Vote  in  the  Choofe  of  Reprefentetives 
To  AiTemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  said  Town 
on  Thurfday  the  20*^  Day  of  December  Next  at  Ten  of 
the  Clock  in  the  forenoon  Agreeable  to  A  Refolve  of  3'^ 
General  Court  of  the  20*^  Day  of  October  Laft  Then  '& 
their  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following 
articles 

firft  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Elect  some  meet  perfon 
to  Reprefmt  them  in  the  State  Convention  to  be  Held  at 
the  state  houfe  in  Bofton  on  the  second  wednefsday  Janu- 
arj^  Next  on  the  subject  matter  of  the  New  propofed  Fed- 
eral Contetution  or  act  any  thing  theiron  as  they  shall 
think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  theiron   to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  s'' 


Town  of  FitcJibnrgJi.  361 

Day    Given  under  our  Hands   &  seals   this   Thirtyth   Day 
of  Xovembcr  A  D  1787 

Daniel  Putnam  1  o  i     *           r 

,,      ,         ii      1       1  Selectmen  tor 

laul  wetnerbee  (  t^-,   ,  , 

r\      •  1      .•    4--        I  ritcliburg 

David  m'mtire    J  =" 

Worcefter  fs  In  Obcdiance  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  warned  all  the  within  mentioned  Inhabitants  to  meet 
att  the  Time  &  place  within  mentioned 

December  20^"  1787        Tho*^  Cowden  Ju*^  Conftable 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  fitchburg  aflembled  Dec™  20'^'i  1787  To  Elect  some 
meet  perfon  to  Reprefent  them  in  the  state  houfe  in  Bof- 
ton  the  second  wednefs  in  January'  Next  a  Greeable  to  a 
Refolve  of  Court  25  of  October  Laft 

firft  voted  to  have  the  Conftetution  Reed  before  the 
Town  befor  any  perfon  be  Choofen 

2'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  perfon  to  Reprefent  the  Town 
in  Convention  at  Bofton  as  a  foresaid 

3'-^'  voted  &  Choofe  Deacon  Daniel  Putnam  to  Repre- 
fent said  Town  in  Convention  to  be  Convened  at  Bofton 
the  second  wednefs  in  January'  Next 

4'y  voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  inftruct  their 
Delagate  or  point  out  the  Expofed  Danger  the  people  are 
Liable  to  inconfecjuence  the  New  Conftetution  should  take 
place  and  Report  before  the  Town  their  sentements     .     .     . 

5'>'  Voted  to  Choofe  Eleven  perfons  for  a  Committee 
for  the  above  ])urpofe  viz  Phin'*  Hartwell  Mofes  Hale 
Elijah  Willard  Oliver  Stickney  David  M'intire  Robert 
Burnham  Luther  Stone  D*"  Jonas  Marfhell  Abraham  Wil- 
lard Revern''  John  Payfon  D""  Peter  Snow     .... 

Voted  this  meeting  to  be  adjourned  to  the  Twentith 
fifth  Day  of  this  Inftant  December  at  one  of  the  Clock  in 
the  after  Noon  in  order  to  here  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee 

[«5()Ji]  Decern'"  25  1787  The  Town  meet  according  to 
Their  adjournment  y^"  meeting  being  opned  then  v(^te(l  to 
adjourn  this  meeting  tt)  fryday  y''  28"'  Day  of  this  inftant 


362  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Dccc!12  at  three  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  the  meeting 
is  accordingly  adjourned        Phin^  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

December  28*^''  1787  The  Town  mett  aeording  to  their 
adjournment  3'^'  meeting  being  opned  to  here  the  Report  of 
their  Committee  Choofen  to  take  into  Confideration  the 
New  Contetution  or  fraime  of  Government  the  Objections 
ware  Reported  before  said  Town  in  Town  meeting  and 
Unanimoufly  voted  and  Likewife  voted  that  the  Town 
Clerk  Give  a  Tefted  Coppy  &  vote  of  said  Objections  to 
their  Delagate,  to  prefent  if  Needful]  in  Convention  to  be 
Convened  at  ye  state  houfe  in  Bofton  y'^  second  wednefsday 
in  January  Next 

Voted  This  meeting  Be  Diffolved 

Atteft        Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

Worcefter  fs  To  Scth  Phillips  one  of  the  Conftables 
of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  in  said  Count}-   Greeting 

Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonweath  of  Maffa- 
„  .  .  chufetts  to  will  &  Require  yon  in  Due  Courfe  of 
^^^  ,  Law  to  Notifie  &  warn  all  the  freeholders  & 
other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg 
Qualified  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  as  y^  Law  Directs  to 
affemble  &  meett  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  said  Town  on 
Tuefday  the  Twent\'  fifth  Da\'  of  Dece™  inftant  at  one  of 
the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  &  their  being  Duly  meet 
and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles     .... 

firft    to  Choofe  a  Aloderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'y  To  see  what  sums  or  sums  of  mone\-  the  Town 
will  Raife  to  pa^^  for  Building  the  Great  Bridge  Near  Capt 
John  Goodridges  or  act  any  thing  theiron  as  thej^  shall 
think  proper 

3'y  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Call  upon  the  Committee 
that  was  Choofe  to  see  to  the  Building  the  Bridge  Near 
Cap*  John  Goodridges  to  Lay  before  the  Town  the  account 
of  the  Coft  for  Building  said  Bridge  or  act  any  thing 
thereon  as  they  shall  think  proper 

4'^  To  see  what  method  the  Town  will  Take  to  sup- 
ph^  the  Collectors  with  monev  or  Certificats  that  has  ben 
or  muft  Necefsaryh'  be  abated  in  state  taxes  for  y"  years 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  363 

1781   &   1782  and    17S3   and   Raifc  monc\'  to  supph-   the 

same  or  act  any  thing  their  on  as  they  shall  Think  proper 

Hereof    fail    Not    and    make    Return    of  this    warrant 

with  your  Dowings  theiron  to  sum  one  of  us  on  or  before 

said  Day    Given  under  our  hand  &  seals  this  seventh  Day 

of  December  AD  1787 

rx      •  I   T)    4  ]  selectmen 

Daniel  1  utnam  .- 

tor 


Paul  Wetherbcc  (  r,   i  i 

J  htchijurg 


Worceftcr  fs  In  Obedience  to  this  warrant  I  have 
Notified  &  warned  all  The  freeholders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Qulificd  b}'  Law  to  vote 
in  Town  Meetings  to  Aflemble  and  meet  at  the  Time  and 
Place  as  the  within  warrant  Directs 

Seth  Phillips  Conftable 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fittcburg  alTembled  Decmb''  25"^'^  1787  the  meeting 
being  opned  then  proceeded  as  followes    .... 

Firft  Voted  &  Choofe  Thomas  Cowden  Efcj'  Modera- 
tor of  said  meeting 

2'y  voted  to  Raife  Eighty  Eight  Pounds  four  Shillings 
to  Difcharge  the  Coft  of  Building  the  New  Bridge  Down 
Near  Cap*^  John  Goodridges  this  vote  Contains  the  Third 
article  in  the  warrant  is  the  whole  Committees  account 
for  Each  perfons  services €88—4—0 

[304]  3'y  Voted  to  allow  The  Committees  accounts 
for  Each  perfons 'service  &  oxen  &  Carts  as  Now  Stands 
footed  for  Each  perfon  &  allowed  By  the  Committee 
which  was  Laid  before  the  Town  and  accepted  &  Delivered 
To  the  Town  Treafurer  to  pay  out  whole  Sum  £88-4—0—0 

4'y  Voted  That  the  Town  Treafurer  Be  &  is  impowercd 
to  pay  the  several  perfons  that  was  iinployed  By  said 
Committee  their  accompts  or  Give  orders  for  the  same 
on  the  Collectors  to  Difcharge  their  Rates  &:  Take  Receipts 
of  Each  perfon  of  what  he  pays  of  his  Due  The  accounts 
of  Each  jK'rfon  is  Carried  (^f  Sejicratc  on  the  Treafurer 
Book 


364  The  Old  Records  of  the 

n'y  voted  to  pafs  over  the  fourth  artiele  as  stands  in 
tlic  warrant  in  Regard  to  the  Towns  abating  any  of  the 
perfons  that  Cannot  be  Collected  &c  the  above  mentoned 
account  for  building  said  Bridge  is  Taken  Down  on  the 
Treafurers  Book  as  is  allowed  to  each  perfon  &  is  to  be 
paid  out  by  y^"  Treafurcr 

61.V    voted  to  Diffolve  this  meeting 

Tho^  Cowden  Efq""  Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

„  .  .  Worcefter  fs  To  Either  of  the  Conftabels  in  the 
^^^  ,  .  Town  of  fitchburg  in  s''  County  Greeting  Thefe 
are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Maffa- 
chufetts  to  will  &  Require  you  to  Notifie  &  warn  By 
verble  warning  all  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Qulified  by  Law  to  vote  in 
Town  meetings  to  affemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe 
in  said  Town  on  Tuefday  the  Twenty  fifth  Day  of  Decent 
inftant  at  Three  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  & 
their  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following 
articles 

Firft  to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 
2^y  to  see  if  the  Town  will  authorize  and  Direct  the 
Town  Treafurer  To  Give  in  Behalf  of  the  Town  any  New 
securityes  for  money  where  the  Town  is  indebted  and  is 
not  at  prefent  in  a  Capacity  to  pay  the  same  or  act  any 
thing  theiron  as  they  shall  Think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  their  on  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before 
said  Day  Given  under  our  hand  &  seals  this  seventeenth 
Day  of  December  A  D  1787     .... 

Daniel  Putnam  1  select  men  for 
Paul  wethebree  /       fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs  Decmbr.  25  1787  In  Obedence  to  this  war- 
rant I  have  Verbally  warned  all  the  freeholders  and  other 
inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Quallified  by  Law 
to  vote  in  town  to  affemble  &  meet  at  the  time  and  place 
as  the  within  warrant  Directs 

Seth  Phillips  Constable 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  366 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  affembled  December  25^*^  1787 

firft  voted  &  Chofc  Tho''  Cowdcn  VAi\^  moderator  of 
s''  meeting 

2'y  voted  that  the  Town  Treafurer  Bee  and  is 
authorized  and  appointed  by  said  Town  to  Give  New 
Securities  in  Ijehalf  of  said  Town  where  their  Debts  are 
Required  by  the  Creditors  to  lie  Renewed  ;  and  lifpecially 
to  Renew  and  Give  his  security  in  behalf  of  the  Town  for 
a  Debt  Due  on  Execution  to  George  Kimball  Bfcj''  or  the 
widow  Dorithy  Kimball.  Now  in  the  hand  of  said  George 
Kimball  &  Give  security  for  the  same  to  the  Heirs  of  Wil- 
liam   Brattle    Efq""  if  the  said    Hfcj''  Kimball  shall   a   Gree 

their  to 

Tho''  Cowdin  Elq""  moderator 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 

[3()5]     Fitchburg  Sept'^  24^''  1787 

Then  Reconed  &  Settled  with  Phinehas  Hartwell  Town 
Treafurer  for  said  year  we  find  Due  in  The  Several  Col- 
lectors &  Conftablc   Hands  The  sums  Hereafter  mentioned 

We  find  in  The  Hand  of  Jon^'  Holt   Constable     .      s      .i    o 
for  y*^  year  1778  Town  Tax 5-13-  G-3 

We  find  in  The  Hand  of  Phin'*  Hartwell  Con- 
stable for  y^'  3'ear    1780    Town    Projierty 

state    Recipt 29-12-  4-2 

minifter    Tax    in    The    same    year    in    The 

hands  of  said  Hartwell l(i  18-  3-2 

We  find  in  The  Hand  of  Daniel  ferwell  Con- 
stable for  y"^'  year  1780  Town  Tax  The 
abatement  allowed  &  Taken  out     ....    35-   9-   2- 

we  find  in  The  Hand  of  Cap"^  Samuell  Bur- 
bank  Collector  for  y^'  year  1781  &  1782 
&  1783  one  State  Kceipt  Towns  ])roj)erty 
yet  Due  in  part 34-  5-  2-3 

Likewife  minifter  Tax  for  ye  year  178,'')  in  pari 

Due 1-7-    7-0 

Likewife  a  Souldier   Rate  for  y*^    year    1782  in 

part  Due 54-12-  <>-() 


36G  The  Old  Records  of  the 

wc   lind    in    the    Hand  of  Cap^   Tho^   Hartwcll 

Constable  for  \^  year  17<S3  Due  Town  Tax    13-10-  3-2 

we  fhul  in  The  Hand  of  John  Ferwell  Consta- 
ble i'or  y^'  year  1784  Town  Tax  yet  Due     .      9-   5-  3-2 

we   find   in   The   Hand   of  Jofeph    Phelps    Col- 

leetor  for  y^'  year   1782   Town  Tax     .     .     .      9-15     8-1 

Likewife  niinifter  Tax  for  said  year  yet  Due  in 

s''    Phelpscs    hand 21-  (3-  4-1 

A  soldier  Kate  89-15-11-3  Not  all  Settled  in 
s''  Phelpefes  hand     .... 

we  find  in  The  Hand  of  Cap^  Reuben  Gibson 

Colleetor  for  y^'  year  1781  Town  Tax     .     .   54-  2-11-1 

Likewife  one  State  Reeip*  Towns  property  in 
The  Treafurers  hand  Due  from  s"^"  Gibson 
in   part 18-6-1-0 

we  find  in  The  hand  of  Phin^  Sawyer  Collector 

for  y^  year  1785  Town  Tax  part  Due    .     .   21-18-  9-3 

Likewife  one  minister  Tax  for  said  year  part 

Due 16-  6-11-0 

we  find  in   the  Hand   of  Reuben  Smith   Con- 

ftable  for  y^  year  1786  Town  Tax  yet  Due  63-10-10-2 
Likewife  one  minifter  Tax  in  said  3  ear  yet  Due   29-17-  6-1 

we  find  in  The  Hand  of  MajC  Tho«  Hart- 
well  Collector  for  y^  year  1786  Town  Tax   74-19-  0-2 

Likewife  one  Minifter  Tax  for  s*^  year  yet  Due 

in   part 30-18-10-2 

we  find  That  Deacon  John  Thurfton  Collector 

for  the  year  1784  Hath  settled 
That  on  Ballance  Their  appears  to  be  Due  To 

Deacon    Thurfton £2-7-8-2 

we  find  That  The  Treafurer  Hath   Borrowed 

&    Gave    his    Security    for    The    ufe    of  y'^ 

Town   of   Oliver    stickney 4-7-   1-0 

And    alio    hath   paid   out   of   his   own    money 

more  than  he  hath  Recived  of  the  Colletor      1-17-  2-2 


Town  of  Fitchbtirgh.  367 

one   Note   aganft   francis  fullani 2-2-0  0 

one  Note  aganft  Sa'"   Burbank   april  2'"  1781  3-12-  0-0 

Note  Aganft   Cap^  Gibson  march   D^'^   1781     .  3-12-  0-0 

Note  aganft   Cap^   Burbank   nuircli    17-1783  3-12-  0-0 

Note  aganft  Cap^  Tho^  Hartwell  May  IG  1783  3-12-  0-0 

Note   aganft  John  Fcrwcll  April  8^''  1785     .     .  3-  0-  0-0 

Note  aganft  Jonathan  Page  April  4^''  1785     .  1-   7-  0-0 

one   Note   Againft   Amos   ordway    march    27^'' 

1786 " 3-   0-  () 

Note  Againft    Sam"  Gibfon    March  5^''  1787     .  3-  0-  O 

Note   Againft   Sctli    riiilli])s   March   12^^^   1787  3-  0-  0 

Daniel  Putnam   I       .^ 

r)      1   w  4^u     t        \       Lommittcc 

Paul  Wetherbec)  ,,       .•   ^.i 

TA      -1   A  r.-    i-        I  l'<Ji"  Sett  cmcnt 

David  MMntirc    | 

Atteft        Phinchas  liartwcll    Town  Clerk 

Errors  Excepted   True   Coppy   from    The   Settlement  at 

The  above  Date  And  Accepted  in  Town  Electing 


[30G]  Worccfter  fs  To  Thomas  Cowdin  Ju*"  one  of 
(seals)  '^^^^  Conftables  of  The  Town  of  Fitchburg  in  said 
(seals)  ^o""t\'  Greeting  Thefe  Are  in  the  Name  of  y^' 
(seals)  ^onmionweath  of  Masfachufetts  To  will  &  Ke- 
ciuire  you  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  To  Notifie  «S: 
warn  all  The  freehoulders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  fitchburg  Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town 
meetings  to  Affemble  &  meet  att  the  meeting  Houfe  in 
said  Town  on  Munday  The  Third  Day  of  AL'irch  Nex  at 
Ten  of  the  Clock  before  Noon  Then  &  Their  being  Duly 
Meet  &  formed  To  act  on  The  following  articles  (viz) 

P'irft    To  Choofe  A  Moderator  to  Govern  Said  Meeting 

2'y  To  Choofe  Town  Clerk  &  Selectmen  and  t)tlicr 
Town  Offices  as  the  Law  Directs  for  the  year  infucing  and 
act  any  Thing  in  Regard  to  Collectors  as  They  Shall  Think 
proper 

3'>'  To  See  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money  the  Town 
will  Raife  to  Repair  the  Highways  Infucing  year  and 
Direct  How  such  money  shall  be  worked  out  or  act  any 
Thing  their  on  as  They  shall  Think  proper 

4'y    To    see    what    method    The    Town    will    'fake    To 


368  The  Old  Records  of  the 

support  Mi^  Hart  and  the  other  poor  that  arc  become 
Chargebalc  to  said  Town 

5'y  To  See  if  The  Town  will  Accept  of  any  Road  or 
Roads   that  is  Laid   out   by   the  Select  men  or  there   order 

G'y  To  sec  if  The  Town  will  Choofe  a  Committee  to 
Take  Care  the  Bridges  and  Make  Preparation  for  Re])air- 
ing  such  as  Shall  Need  Repairing  or  act  any  Thing  Their 
on  as  They  Shall  Think  proper 

7'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Vote  the  Swine  to  Go 
at  Large  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law 

8'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  abate  any  fine  or  fines 
which  hath  been  Laid  on  any  perfon  or  perfons  for  Not 
attending  Publick  worfhip     .... 

9'^  To  See  if  the  Town  will  abate  any  perfon  or  per- 
fons Rate  or  an3^  part  their  of  in  any  of  the  Collectors 
Lifts  and  act  any  Thing  theiron  as  they  shall  Think 
proper    .... 

lO'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Choofe  a  saxtion  to 
take  Care  the  meeting  the  year  infueing    .... 

ll'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Make  allowence  to  Cap*^ 
Reuben  Gibson  Collector  for  the  year  1781  for  some  Coun- 
tefitt  money  New  Emifion  he  Took  for  Rates  or  act  any 
Thing  theiron  as  They  Shall  Think  proper    .... 

12*y  To  see  what  Orders  or  Directions  the  Town  will 
Give  to  the  Delinquent  Highway  Surveyours  the  Laft  year 
or  act  any  thing  thereon  as  they  shall  Think  proper    .     . 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  to 
some  or  one  of  us  on  or  before  said  Day  Given  under 
our    hand    &    seals    this    Twelth    Day   of  February  A.   D. 

1788 

Daniel  Putnam  )  Select  men 
Paul  wetherbee  \         for 
David  M'^intire  J  Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs     February  16  1788 

\w  obediance  to  this  warrant  I  have  warnd  all  the 
freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  fitch- 
burg Qulified  by  Law  [307]  To  vote  in  Town  Meetings 
to  aflemble  and  meet  att  the  Time  and  place  above  men- 
tioned 

Thomas  Cowden  J"'^  Conftable 


ToiuH  of  Fttchbtirgh.  369 

Att  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  The  Town 
of  Fitchburg  Affembled  March  y'^  S'-d  1788 

Firft  voted  &  Choofc  W  Afa  Perry  Moderator  of 
said    meeting modrator 

2'y  voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hart  well  Town  Clerk  — 
Prefent   year Town  Clerk 

3'y  voted  to  Coofc  Three  Selectmen  for  the  prefent 
year  &  affefsors 

4'y  voted  &  Choofe  Liv*-  Paul  wetherbee  Reuben  Smith 
&  John  Thurfton  Ju''  for  and  Likewife  alTefsors  for  the 
prefent  year Selectmen  and  Affefsors 

5'y  voted  &  Choofe  Ebenezcr  Thurfton  Town  Treafurer 
for  said  year Town   Treafurer 

6'y  voted  &  Choofe  Hezekiah  Hodgskins  for  the  south 
side  of  said  Town  for  a Conftable 

and  Likewife  Nathan  Badccjck  for  the  North  of  side 
Town  Conftable Conftable 

7'-^'  voted  &  Choofe  Thomas  Stearns  &  Amos  OrdwaN' 
wardens   for  y^  prefent  year wardens 

8'y  voted  &  Choofe  Jacob  Allen  &  Stephen  Pingrey 
Ju*^  for Tything  men 

9'y  voted  &  Choofc  Cap^  Sainuell  Burbank  Jolni 
ozburn  Difmifcd  Hezekiah  Hodfkins  Chofen  in  his  Room 
Jofeph  Fox  Efq'^  Oliver  Brown  Abner  Sawyer  Jabez  Sawyer 
Elijah  M^intire  Solomon  Cnlton  Amos  Ordway  Stephen 
Pingrey  Ju""  Highway  surveyors  prefent  year  .  .  .  High- 
way Surveyours 

10'-^'  voted  &  Choofe  Benjamin  Kemp  Stephen  Thurf- 
ton Jofeph  Low  Ju""  Luke  Sawyer  \V!1^  Kendall  —  Hogreves 
for  the  prefent  year Hogreves 

ll'y  voted  &  Choofe  Jofhua  Parce  Zacheus  Ferwcll 
Fire  wards  for  y*^  i)refent  year I-'ire  wards 

12'y    voted  &  Choofe  John  uplon  Survcycnir  of  Boards 

Clabords  &   Shingles Serveyour  of  boards 

Clabords  &  Shingles 

13'>'  voted  &  Choofe  I*;iijah  Carter  Thomas  (libson  for 
the  prefent  year I'^ence  vewers 

14'>'  voted  &  Choofc  Cap*^  Jonathan  Wood  surveyeor 
for  the  prefent  year    ....    suryeor  of  Hoops  &  Staves 

24 


370  The  Old  Records  of  the 

15"y  voted  iSi  Clioofc  Mofcs  1 1  ale  for  the  prefent  ycar 
sealcr  of  Leather 

!()'>'  voted  &  Choofe  David  Paree  tor  the  prefent  year 
scaler  of  weights  &  meafurer 

17'-^'  voted  to  Kaife  one  Hundred  &  fiity  pounds  to 
keepe   the   Highways  &  Bridges  in  Repair  the  prelent  year 

eifjO-O-O 

IS  —  voted  that  the  Money  Kaifed  for  the  highway  be 
worked  out  as  was  purpofed  Laft  year  &  the  DeHnquents 
if  any  be  to  be  Returned  to  the  affefsors  to  be  seett  on 
the  Rate   bill  seafonabkw  for   Colleeting   the  money     .     .     . 

19 — voted  that  the  poor  be  put  out  at  the  Loweft 
Bidder  in  Town 

voted  that  the  selectmen  ])ut  out  the  poor  at  the 
Loweft  Bid  and  make  Return  at  the  meeting  on  the  ad- 
journment of  their  proceedings 

20  voted  to  Choofe  two  perfons  for  a  Committee  to 
Repair  the  Bridge  up  at  M""  David  Goodels 

21  voted  &  Choofe  Deacon  Kendal  Boutell  &  Thomas 
Stearns  for  said  Committee  to  see  the  Bridge  Repaired  in 
the  prudenteft  manner  for  the  Benfitt  of  s'^  Town 

[308]  22  voted  That  the  Committee  Choofen  to  see 
to  the  Repairing  of  Goodels  Bridge  make  a  Report  of  what 
Coft  They  Shall  Think  proper  to  make  said  Bridge  pafable 
at  the  meeting  on  the  adjournment 

23  voted  That  their  be  a  Committee  Choofen  to  see 
to  the  Repairing  the  Great  Bridg  Down  Near  the  meeting 
houfe  voted  &  Choofe  Oliver  Stickney  Phinehas  Sawyer  to 
see  to  the  Repairing  of  said  Bridge  &  Likewife  make  a 
Report  at  the  adjournment  what  Coft  &  what  is  wanting 
to  Repair  s^  Bridge 

24  voted  That  the  Swine  Go  att  Large  the  prefent 
year  under  the  Regulation  of  the  Law     .     .     . 

25  voted  That  the  8^^  article  in  the  warrant  be  suf- 
pended  untill  the  adjournment  of  the  meeting  in  Regard 
to  abating  fines  for  Breach  of  Sabbath     .     .     . 

26  voted  to  sufpend  the  9  article  in  Regard  to  abat- 
ing Rates  till  the  adjournment  of  said  meeting 

27  voted  &  Choofe  Ephr™  Kimball  saxtion  to  Take 
Care  the  meeting  Houfe  the  prefent  year  &  Digg  the 
Graves  for  funerals 


Tozuii  of  FitchburgJi.  371 

28  voted  That  the  CountirlUt  money  in  tlie  Hand  of 
Cap^  Gibson  that  was  ])reiented  to  the  Town  for  abate- 
ment be  sufpended  untill  he  settles  with  the  Remains  of 
his  Colleetion  with  tlie  Town  Treafurer 

29  voted  To  Aeeep^  of  a  Two  Rode  Road  Laid  out 
By  the  seleetmen  or  there  order  the  Difeription  of  said 
Road  is  as  follows 

Roads 

Fitehl)ur^  mareh  y""  1  17S8  we  the  subfcribers  have 
Laid  out  a  Two  Rode  Road  from  weftminfter  on  Land  of 
Daniel  l-'erwells  Till  it  strikes  the  Roade  that  Leads  lU- 
Thomas  Cowdins  Ju'  and  made  Two  Alterations  one  by 
said  Cowdens  Houle  and  one  V>\  IvHfha  Chambcrlan  iind 
to  have  the  Road  as  is  Now  trod 

Laid  out  by  I'aul  wethcrbee  &  Daniel  Ferwell  Com- 
mittee This  Road  is  Given  By  the  oweners  of  the  Land 
&  aeeep*^  as  above  said  mareh  3''  1788 

30  voted  That  the  Laft  year  highway  Tax  of  an_v 
perfon  that  is  Deiincpient  payer  of  said  Tax  be  aded  to 
the  prefent  yeiir  highway  Tax  when  made  up  &  if  not 
Collected  that  way  then  to  be  Returned  to  the  alTefors  to 
be  Aded  to  Their  Town  Tax  to  be  Collected  in  money     .     . 

31  voted  That  This  meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thurfda}' 
the  Twent3^th  Da}'  of  this  inftant  march  at  one  of  the 
Clock  in  the  affter  Noon  this  meetings  is  adjourned  £iecord- 
ing  Atteft  Phinehas  Hartwell    Town  Clerk 

Mareh  y^'  20*^''  1788  The  Town  meet  according  To 
there  adjournment 

32  voted  that  Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  be  Excufed  from 
the  Collectorfhip  he  paying  Ten  Dollars  to  the  town 

33  voted  that  Nathan  Badcock  be  Hxcufed  from  the 
Collectorfhip  he  paying  Ten  Dollars  to  the  Town 

Recived  of  AI''  Ilezekiah  Ilodlkins  £i  Ten  Dollar  Town 
order 

[:{()!)]  ,34-— voted  That  the  Collectorfhip  be  Let  out 
to  the  Loweft  bidder  They  providing  Two  Good  Bonds- 
men      

35 — voted  to  adjourn  Letting  out  the  Collcctingfhip 
Down  to  the  Houfe  of  IvAj'  Cowdin 


372  The  Old  Records  of  the 

30 — voted  That  John  Ozburn  1k'  Hxcufcd  from  serving 
Highway  surve^'our  &  Hczckiah  Hodgskins  Chofcn  in  his 
Room  a  Survey  our  for  the  prcfcnt  year 

37  — voted  to  Build  The  Buttments  of  the  Bridge  at 
M''  Goodels  with  Stone 

38  —  voted  to  Put  l)y  the  8*^'^  artiele  until!  the  meeting 
on  the  adjournment 

39  —  voted  to  adjourn  one  Quarter  of  an  hour  Down 
to  Kf([''  Cowdins  houfe. 

Daniel  Ferwell  bid  of  the  Colleeting  the  Publie  Taxes 
on  the  South  side  of  Said  Town  for  Two  pound  Sixteen 
Shillings  on  a  Hundred  pound  so  in  propotion  Greater  or 
Leffor  sum 2-16-0- 

Reuben  Smith  Bid  of  the  Collecting  of  the  public  Taxes 
on  the  North  side  of  said  Town  for  Two  pounds  Sixteen 
Shillings  &  Six  pence  on  y*^  Hundred  pound     .     .     2—16-6— 

40  —  voted  To  adjourn  This  Meeting  To  the  Twenty' 
fifth  Day  of  this  inftant  march  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the 
after  Noon  Kendell  Boutell  Clerk  —  protempory 

March  25*^  1788  The  Town  meet  on  The  adjournment 
&  Proceeded  as  Follows 

P'irft  voted  &  Choofe  Daniel  P^'erwell  Collector  for  the 
south  side  of  said  Town  and  Likewife  accepted  of  Phine- 
has  Sawyer  &  Thomas  Stearns  as  Bondsmen  for  said  Fer- 
well for  the  P^aithfull  Difcharg  of  his  Duty  in  Collecting 
the  Public  Taxes  the  prefent  j'ear  and  paying  the  same 
where  ordred 

2'y  voted  &  Choofe  Reuben  Smith  Constable  for  the 
North  side  of  said  Town  and  Likewife  accepted  of  Liu*^ 
William  Brown  &  Noah  Wifwell  as  Bondsmen  for  said 
Smith  for  the  faithfull  Difcharge  of  his  Duty  in  Collecting 
the  Public  Taxes  on  the  North  Side  of  said  Town  the 
prefent  year  &  paying  the  same  where  ordred     .     .     . 

3  —  voted  the  Lift  offered  by  Capt  Burbank  for  abate- 
ment be  sufpended  till  he  has  Settled  all  that  is  Due  befide 
with  the  Treafurer  then  to  have  a  hearing    .... 

4  —  voted  to  adjourn  This  meeting  Down  to  the  Houfe 
of  Efqr  Cowdins  for  15  minits 

Then  meet  &  proceeded  as  follows 


Toivn  of  FitcJiburgJi.  373 

voted  that  The  Lift  of  Taxes  offered  to  be  aliatcd  for 
Cap*  Gibson  be  put  up  by  single  sums  state  tax 

voted  to  allow  Cap'  Ciibson  Eight  Shilling  on  the 
pound  Hard  money  for  20/  Certificate  for  state  Tax  that 
is  abated 

Jonathan    Rufclls   Tax    abated    in    Caji^   Gibsons 

Lift  for  the  year   1781 8-  2-G-O 

John  Goddard  Tax  abated  in  Cap*  Gibsons  Lifts 

for  the  year   1781 2-17-1-0 

Ephraim   Howard   Tax   abated   in   Cap^  Gibsons 

Lift   for  the  year   1781 2-12-0-0 

Robert  Upton   Tax  abated   in   Caji*  Gibson    List 

for  y^  year   1781 0-14^0-0 

Reuben  Willard   Tax  abated  in  Cap^  Gibson  Lift 

year  1781 0-  G-7-2 

Levi  Williams  Tax  abated  in  Cap*  Gibsons   Lift 

for  1781 0-11-0-0 

John    Venen    Tax   abated   in   Cap*   Gibsons    List 

for  1781 2-19-5-0 

Ebenezer  Flagg  Tax  abated  in  Ca])*  Gibsons  Lift 

for  1781 2-17-1-0 


21-  0-r)-2 
To  be  abated  for  Phin''  Sawyer  for  y^'  year  1785 

Uriah   Wilkens  Tax  abated  part 0-  5-8-1 

Samull  Hill  Tax  abated  whole 0-10-5-2 

Berzelel  wood  Tax  abated  whole 0-  8-3-2 

Jobe  Hewood    Tax   abated   part 0-  2-2-2 


Paid  by  Liu*  page 1-  6-7-3 

To  be  abated  for  Jofeph  Phelps  for  y' year  1782 

Jofcph   Davis  Tax  abated 0-   1-7-0 

Timothy    willard   Tax   abated 0-    1-7-0 

Ebenezer  I'lagg  Tax  abated 0-  (]-G-l 


O-  9-8-1 
Afa   Perr\'    modrator 
Phinchas  Hart  well    T.  Clerk 

TmMi  over  the  other  side 


374  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[310]     March  8''  17.S8 

at   the    meeting  of   the    inhal)itants    of   Tlic    Town    of 
fitchburg    alTembled     in    Town     meeting    voted     that    tiie 
Selectmen   Take  Care  to   put  out  the  poor  people   at  the 
Loweft  &  Cheepeft  manner  for  su]i])ort    .... 
Liut  Thomas  Thurfton  Bid  of  Mi«  Hart  att  V'wq 

pounds    sixteen    shillings   By    the  year  or  in 

propotion  if  She  Should  not  Live  the  year  out  £5-10-0- 
Eli  Smith  Bid  of  by  Cap*  John  Goodridge  at  1/2 

W  week 0-  1-2- 

Liu*  Thomas  Thurfton  Bid  of  Lydea  Williams  at 

1/6  W  week 0-  1-6- 

March  25^^  1788  —  Recorded  b3'   order  of  y'"  Selectmen 

Phin*'  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

Worcefter  fs 

To  Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  one  of  The  Conftables  for  the 
,„  y  ,  Town  of  fitchburgh  in  s'^'  County  Greeting  Thefe 
^^j  .  .  are  in  The  Name  of  The  Commonwealth  of  the 
^„  .  .  Mafsachnfetts  to  will  &  Require  you  in  Due 
Coiirfe  of  Law  to  Notifie  &  warn  all  the  free 
houlders  &  other  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg 
Qualified  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town  Meetings  for  a  Repre- 
fentetive  to  affemble  &  meet  att  the  meeting  Houfe  in 
Said  Town  on  Mundaj"^  the  Seventh  Day  of  April  Next 
att  four  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  Then  &  their  being  Duly 
meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles 

viz  Firft  To  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said 
meeting 

2'y  To  Give  in  your  Votes  for  a  Suteable  Difcreat  per- 
fon  for  a  County  Treafurer 

Hereof  fail  Not  &  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Doings  their  on  to  some  or  one  of  us  on  or  before 
said  Day 

Given  under  our  hand  and  Seals  att  Fitchburg  the 
Twenty th  Day  of  march  1788 

Paul  wetherbee        1  selectmen 
Reuben  Smith  \        for 

John  Thurfton  Ju'^  j  Fitchburg 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgli.  375 

Worceftcr  fs  In  Obedencc  to  The  witliin  warrant  I 
have  Notified  and  warned  all  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  fitehburg"  To  alTemble  and  Meet  att  the  Time  and  Place 
within  mentioned  as  tlie  Lau'  Directs 

Hezekiah  Hodgfkins   Conftable 

Att  a  meetin<2^  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Legally  afiembled  on  April  8''  17SS  for  the  pur- 
pofes  hereafter  mentioned  Then  (lave  in  their  votes  ior  the 
following  Gentlemen  for  a  Connty  Treafnrer 

Nil   votes 

Voted  I"or  the  Hononrable  Timothy   Paine   Efq""  IS 

voted  For  IM""  Nathan  Perry 5 

Afa  Perry    moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

Fitchburg  January  22"''  1790  Then  Came  the  family 
of  Francis  Barnes  and  wife  &  five  Children  &  was  Taken 
in  to  my  houfe  by  me  Oliver  Fullam  the  Childrens  names 
as  follows  Betty  Ephraim  Lydea  Sufanna  Loral  Children 
of  said  Barnes  Laft  from  province  Land  as  formerly 
Called  which  we  the  Selectmen  of  said  fitchburg  Do  not 
admit  of  as  inhabitants  of  said  fitchburg  but  Direct  that 
they  emeadiately  Depart  the  Limits  of  said  Town  to  the 
Place  of  there  habitanc}'^  for  support 

%?*■  order  Selectmen     Phinehas  Hartwell    Town  Clerk 

[811]     Worceftcr  fs 

To   Hezekiah    Hodgskins    Conftable    for    the    Town   of 

fitchburg  in   said   County    Greeting    Thefe  are  in 

,,^  '  /  [     the   Name   of   the    Commonwealth    of   the    MalVa- 

(  icals ) 

^'      .'    chufetts  to  will  &  Require  you   forth  with  to  No- 

'  tifie  &   warn   all   The  freeholders  &  other  inhabi- 

tants Qualified  by  Law  to  vote  for  a  Reprefentative  to 
afrem1)le  &  meet  att  the  meeting  houfe  in  Said  Town  on 
Munday  the  Seventh  Day  of  \\)x'\\  Next  att  one  of  tlie 
Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  &  their  being  Duly  meet  \: 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  viz 

Firft     To  Give  in  your  votes  for  a  Governer 

2'>     To  Give  in  your  votes  for  a  Line'  Governor 


37G  The  Old  Records  of  the 

3'-^    To  Give  in  your  votes  for  five  Senators 

Hereof    fail    Not  &  make    Return   of  this   warrant   to 

some  one  of  us  on  or  before  s^'  Day  Given  under  our  hand 

&  Seals  This  Tvvcntyth  Day  of  march  1788 

Paul  wetherbee        )     01^ 

Tj     1        o     .,,  Select  men 

Reuben  Smith 


T   t,     Tu^    r.-        T   .   ( for   Fitchburff 
John  Thurfton  Ju'.  j  ^ 


Worcefter  fs  In  obedence  of  the  within  warrant  I  have 
Notified  and  warn'^  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burg  to  aoemble  and  meet  att  time  &  place  within  men- 
tioned as  the  Law  Directs 

Hezekiah  Hodgskins  Conftable 

Att  a  Meeting  of  The  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  Legally  affembled  in   Town   meeting  on   April  y^ 

7th  1788 

No  votes 

voted  &  Choofe  for  a  Governor  his   Excellancy  John 

Hancock 39 

voted  for  the  Honourable  Elbridge  Gary  Efq''    .     .     12 

The  following  Gentlemen  voted  for  a   Liuet  Governor 

No  votes 

voted  &  Choofe  for  a  Liue*  Governor  The  Honourable 

James  Warran  Efq^ 24 

Likewife  for  the  Honourable  Benjamin  Linelon  Efq*"       8 

The  following  Gentlemen  voted  for  for  Senators 

No  votes 

voted   for  the  Honourable  Amos  Singletary     ...  26 

For  the  honourable  Peter  Penneman 25 

For  the  Honourable  John  Fezinton 25 

For  the  Honourable  Jofeph  Stone 26 

For  Cap*  Jeremiah  Learned .  25 

For  the  Honourable  Abel  Wilder 12 

For  the  Honourable    Samll    Baker 11 

For  the  Honourable  Mofes  Gill 11 

For  the  Honourable  Timothy  paine 10 

For  the  Honourable  Seth    Wafhburn 11 

This  meeting  Diffolved  Bj^  the  Selectmen 

Paul  Wetherbee      ]  o  1    +.^       c 
T3     ,        o     •-!  I  Selectmen  for 

Reuben  Smith  >     ^•,  ,  , 

John  Thurfton  Ju"- 1      F^^chburg 

Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


Town  of  Fitchburgh.  377 

[312]    Worcefter  fs 

To  Hezekiah  Hod<::skins  one  of  The  Conftables  of 
^  .'  the  Town  of  fitchburg  in  s'^  County  Greeting 
',  J" \  Thefe  are  in  The  Name  of  The  Commonwealth  of 
'  mafsachufetts  To  will  &  Require  you  in  Due 
Courfe  of  Law  To  Notifie  and  warn  all  the  freehoulders 
and  other  Inhabitants  of  The  Town  of  Fitchburg  Qulified 
by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  Meetings  to  aflemble  and  meet 
att  the  Meeting  Houfe  in  said  Town  on  Munday  the 
seventh  Da}'  of  April  Next  att  Three  Oclock  in  the  after 
Noon  Then  &  their  being  Duh'  meet  &  forme''  to  act  on 
the  following  articles 

viz  Firft  To  Choofe  Moderator  to  Govern  Said  Meet- 
ing 

2'y  To  wheather  The  Town  will  Comply  with  a 
Requeft  Signed  b}-  a  Number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Town  to  Raife  a  sum  of  money  Suficient  to  Difcharge  The 
Town  Debts  that  are  Now  Due  to  Sundrey  perfons  that 
y''  Town  are  indebted  too  or  actt  any  Thing  Theiron  as 
They  fhall  think  proper 

Hereof  fail  Not  to  make  Return  of  This  warrant  with 

your  Dowings   their   on   To  some  one  of  us  on   or  before 

said    Day    Given   under  our  hand   &  seals   This   Twcntith 

Day  of  March  A.  D.  1788 

Paul  weatherbee     1  e«i  «*  r 

r,     1        o     -^u  I  Selectmen  lor 

Reuben  Smith  )      t^-,   ,  , 

T    1      Ti       IV        T   r         ritchburg 
John   rhurlton  Ju'^J  *=• 

Worcefter  fs 

In  Obediance  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notified  & 
warned  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  to 
alTemble  &  meet  att  Time  &  place  within   mentioned   as 

the  Law  Directs 

Hezekiah  Ilodgskins   Conftable 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Fitchburg  Legally  alTembled  on  April  y*^  7^''  1788 

Firft  Voted  &  Choofe  M'^  A  fa  perry  Moderator  of  s'' 
Meeting 

oiuiiy  Voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Look  into  the 
Circumftances  of  the  Town  on  account  of  the  Town  Debts 


378  The  Old  Records  of  the 

&  Sec  what  is  out  Standin;:^  in   the  old   Collcetors  hands 
not  Collected  &  paid  in 

8'y  voted  &  Choofc  the  Selectmen  M*"  Oliver  Stickney 
aded  for  a  Coinmittee  for  the  above  ])urpofe  voted  This 
Committee  make  a  Report  att  the  adjournment  of  the 
meeting  of  their  proceedings 

Voted  to  adjourn  This  meeting  to  the  fifteenth    Day  of 
may  Next  at  Three  Oclock  in  the  after  Noon     .... 
Atteft  Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

May  y'"  15*^  1788  The  inhabitants  of  said  Town  meet 
according  to  their  adjournment  the  Meeting  being  opncd 
&  proceeded  as  follows 

Firft  proceeded  &  Read  the  Report  of  the  Committee 
before  the  Town  as  Drawn  up  by  s'^'  Committee 

Secondly  voted  Not  to  Raife  any  more  money  untill 
the  fall  meeting  to  Difcharge  the  prefent  Debts 

Thirdly    voted  This  meeting  to  be  Difsolved 
Afa  Perry   Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell  Town  Clerk 


[313]  Worcefter  fs 
,„  ,  ,  To  Hezekiah  Hodgskins  Conftable  for  the  Town 
^  ''  '  of  fitchburg  in  said  County  Greeting  Thefe  are  In 
^^  '.  ^  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Mafsachufetts 
to  will  &  Require  you  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  to 
Notifie  and  warn  all  the  mail  inhabitants  of  fitchburg  of 
twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards  having  a  freehold 
Eftate  of  the  value  of  Sixty  pounds  or  the  annual  income 
of  Three  pounds  to  affemble  &  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe 
in  fitchburg  Thurfday  the  fifteenth  Day  of  may  att  Three 
Clock  in  the  after  noon  then  &  their  being  Duly  meet  & 
formed  to  act  on  the  following  article  to  witt     .... 

Firft  to  see  if  the  Town  wmII  Elect  &  Depute  any  per- 
fon  to  serve  for  and  Reprefent  them  in  the  Great  an 
General  Court  or  affembley  to  be  held  in  this  Common- 
wealth on  the  Laft  wednefsday  in  May  a  Greeable  to  the 
Conftetution  or  act  anything  their  on  as  they  Shall  Think 
proper 


Town  of  Fitchbnrgh.  379 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  on 
or  before  said  Da3'  Given  under  our  hand  &  seals  att 
Fitchburg  This  Twentyth  fourth   Day  of  April  A.  D.  17SS 

Paul  Wetherbee       |  Selectmen 
Reul)en  Smith  |        I-'or 

John  Thurfton  Ju'  J  Fitchburg 

Worceftcr  fs  in  01)cdiancc  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  Notified  and  warned  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
ritch1)urg    to    AiVcmble    &    meet   att    time  &   place   within 

mentioned  as  the  Law  Directs 

Hezekiah  Hodgskins  Conftable 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burg Legaly  affembled  on  May  3'^  15*^  1788  Then  made 
Chooicc  of  M*"  Daniel  Putnam  to  Reprefent  said  Town  of 
fitchburg  in  the  Great  an  General  Court  or  aflbmble\'  to  be 
Convened  &  held  att  Bofton  on  the  Laft  wednefsday  of 
this  inftant  ma\'  1788 

Atteft  Phinehas  Hartwcll   Town  Clerk 

,,,     ,  ,     Worcefter  fs    To    Hezekiah    Hodgskins    Conftable 

(Seals)  .  . 

^      "       for  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  in  s''  Count}-  Greeting 

,^  ',        Thefe  are  in   the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth   of 

Mafsachufetts  to  will  &  Require  3'ou  forthwith  in 

Due  Courfe  of  Law  to   Notifie  &  warn  all   the  freeholders 

and  other  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg  Qualified 

by   Law  to  vote  in   Town  meetings  to   afl'cmble  and  meet 

att   the  meeting    houfe  in   said    fitchburg  on   Tuefday   the 

Ninth    Da^'   of  Septem''  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock   in   the 

after  Noon  then  &  their  being  Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act 

on  the  following  articles  Viz 

Firft  —  to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'-^  —  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Rais  money  to  Sup])ort 
the  Revern''  M""  payfon  the  prcfent  3'ear 

,'>'>'  —  to  See  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  monc}-  the  Town 
will  Raife  for  schools  the  prefent  vear  or  act  any  Thing 
theiron  as  they  Shall  Think  proper 

4iy  —  'Pq  gge  what  Sum  or  Sums  of  money  the  Town 
will  Raife  to  Difcharge  there  Debts  and  other  Town 
Charges 


380  The  Old  Records  of  the 

5iy  —  fo  Sec  what  method  The  Town  will  take  to  pro- 
vide M*"  payfons  wood  the  year  infueing 

Qiy  —  Xo  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to  Settle 
with  sum  perfons  that  the}^  arc  indebted  to  or  act  any 
thing  theiron  as  They  shall  think  proper 

7'y  —  To  See  what  method  the  Town  will  take  to 
Recover  a  sum  of  money  which  appears  to  be  £21—18—5-3 
in  the  hand  of  Thomas  Cowden  \lk\^  former  Treafurer    .     . 

[314]  8'y  To  vSee  if  the  Town  will  allow  the  accounts 
that  shall  be  Brought  in  by  the  Bridge  Committee 

9'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  make  any  further  abate- 
ments in  any  of  the  Collectors  Lifts 

!()'>'  To  See  what  method  the  Town  will  Take  to 
Build  the  New  Cafeway  on  the  New  Road  Near  Efq*" 
Cowdins  which  is  soon  to  be  opned  or  act  any  thing 
theiron  as  they  Shall  think  proper 

ll'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  accept  of  any  Road  or 
Roads  that  are  Laid  out  By  the  Selectmen  or  their  order 

12'-^  To  See  if  the  Town  will  erect  a  Meeting  houfe  in 
the  center  of  the  Town  or  Receive  any  part  of  weftminfter 
that  shall  be  willing  to  Join  with  us  and  Then  erect  a 
meeting  houfe  in  the  Neareft  Convenant  place  to  the  center 
or  act  any  thing  Theiron  as  the}'  Shall  Think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  theiron  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said 
Day  Given  under  our  Hands  &  seals  This  Twenty  fifth 
Day  of  August  A  D  1788 

Paul  wetherbee       ]  Selectmen 
Reuben  Smith  \       For 

John  Thurfton  Ju'J  Fitchburg 

Woreefter  fs  In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I 
have  Notified  and  warned  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  to  affemble  and  meet  att  time  and  place  within 
mentioned  as  the  Law  Directs 

Hezekiah  Hodgfkins   Conftable 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
fitchburg  Legualy  Affembled  on  Tuefday  the  Ninth   Day  of 


Tozvn  of  FitchburgJi.  381 

September  1788  the  meeting  being  ()])ned  &  proceeded  as 
followcs 

Firft  Voted  &  Choofe  I)e-'  Daniel  i'ulnam  M(jderator 
of  said  meeting 

2'-^'  Voted  to  Raife  £6G-13-4  to  sui)i)(.rl  the  Rcvcrn^ 
m'  payfon  the  prel'ent  3'ear 

S'y  Voted  to  Kaife  45-0-0  to  su])p()rt  the  sehools  the 
jirclent  year  and  Likewife  to  have  tlie  sehoole  money  Laid 
out  in  each  Ouartcr  of  said  Town  as  \v£is  formerly  by 
there  Committees 

4iy  Voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  provide  school- 
ing in  each  Quarter  of  said  Town  voted  this  Committee 
Confift  of  six  perfons  for  the  above  purpofe 

5'y  Voted  &  Choofe  Abijah  Goodridge  Jofeph  Pox 
Abraham  willard  Jacob  Allen  Reuben  Gibl'on  Ju'  John 
Thurfton  J""- 

6  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  fourth  article  for  the  j^refent 
in  Regard  to  Raifing  money 

[315]  7'^'  Voted  to  Let  out  the  Gifting  of  m'  pay- 
fons  wood  to  the  Loweft  bidders  to  Gift  Thirty  Cord  of 
Good  wood  &  Dcliverd  it  at  m"'  [)ayfons  Door     .     .     . 

8'y  Voted  to  Choofe  a  Committ^^  for  y'^  Letting  out 
the  Gitting  of  m''  Payfons  wood  viz  Choofe  Afa  Perrcy 
David    Pratt    Phinehas   Sawyer  for  the  aljovc  purjjofc     .     . 

9'-^'  Voted  To  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Settle  with 
Nehemiah  h^illcr  on  account  of  £i  Note  said  I^tller  has 
againl't  the  Town  &  Likewife  with  Jofeph  I-'ox  on  account 
of  his  Difcharging  part  of  an  Lvxecution  againit  the  Tow  n 
in  the  hand  of  Colo  Greenlief 

lO'y  Voted  &  Choofe  Afa  Perry  Mofes  Hale  Phinehas 
Sawyer  for  said  Committee  for  s''  purpofe 

ll'>-  Voted  &  Choofe  Phinehas  Hartwell  Jofeph  Fox 
Thomas  Starns  John  Thurfton  J""  oliver  Stiekney  to  be  a 
Committee  to  Look  into  the  Circumftances  of  the  money 
Suppofcd  to  be  in  the  hand  of  Ivfcj'  Cowden  former 
Treafurer  as  Sect  forth  in  the  seventh  article  in  the  war- 
rant and  make  Report  att  the  adjoinnment  of  said  meet- 
ing 

12'>'  N'otcd  to  pals  over  the  eighth  article  in  the 
warrant  ior  the  prcfent  in  Regard  to  the  Bridges  accounts 


382  The  Old  Records  of  the 

13'-^'  Voted  that  the  cifiefsors  aet  Difcrefanary  in 
Regard  to  abating  M''  Iklward  vSeotts  Rates  in  a  Lift 
Committed  to  Cap*^  Reuben  Gil)r()n  to  Colleet  for  the  year 
1781 

14'y  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  Ninth  artiele  in  the  war- 
rant in  Regard  to  abating  any  perfons  Rate  in  the  Col- 
lectors hand  till  the  adjournment  of  said  meeting    .     .     . 

15'y  Voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  over  See  the 
Building  the  Caufeway  on  the  New  County  Road  in  Efq'' 
Cowdens  Land  and  that  the  whole  Town  have  the  Liberty 
to  work  on  said   Road  or  Cafeway  their  propotional  part 

16'y  Voted  &  Choofe  Three  perfons  as  a  Committee 
for  the  above  purpofe  viz  Jofeph  Fox  Afa  Perry  Thomas 
Cowden  Efq*'  Voted  this  Committee  Shall  vew  the  New 
Road  and  Eftemate  the  Coft  and  make  Report  att  the 
adjournment  of  s*^  meeting  for  affefing  a  Bill 

17'-^  Voted  that  the  Road  Laid  b\^  the  Selectmen  for 
Jofeph  Richardfon  &  Jefe  Stevens  &  others  be  paffed  over 
till  the  adjournment  of  said  meeting 

18'y  Voted  that  the  12  article  in  the  warrant  in 
Regard  to  placing  the  meeting  houfe  be  paffed  over  untill 
the  adjournment  of  Said  meeting 

19'-^'  Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  Tuefday  the 
Twenty  Third  Day  of  this  inftant  September  att  one  a 
Clock  in  the  after  noon  This  meeting  accordingly  adjourned 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 

September  23'"'^  1788  The  Town  meet  according  to 
there  adjournment  the  meeting  opned 

Firft  Voted  to  act  on  the  Twelth  article  in  Regard  to 
placing  the  meeting  houfe 

2'-^'  Voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  examine  and 
find  out  a  place  to  erect  a  Meeting  Houfe  in  the  moft 
Convenant  place  to  aecomadate  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Fitchburg 

3'y  Voted  to  Choofe  five  perfons  for  the  above  purpofe 
Viz  Mofes  Hale  De=^  Daniel  Putnam  Jacob  upton  Afa  Perrey 
Oliver  Stickney  they  Report  att  the  adjournment 

4'-^'  Voted  to  allow  the  Bridge  accounts  Brought  in 
by  Kendal  Boutel  &  Thomas  Stearns  Committee  on 
Goodel  Bridge  Sum  total  of  which  is  37—12—0— 


Tozvn  of  Fitclibnygh.  383 

f3H>]  5'y  Voted  to  Raife  Forty  pounds  to  make  the 
Caufeway  on  the  New  County  Road  in  lillq""  Cowdins 
Land  and  that  the  alTeisors  ^lilefs  the  same  on  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Said  Town  in  a  Single  Rate 

G'y  Voted  that  Tliofe  perfons  that  Travels  to  work 
on  the  County  Roiid  shall  be  allowed  after  the  Rate  of 
four  penee  for  every  three  miles  so  in  propotion  and  four 
pence  on  the  spoot  the  Teems  &  Carts  Ploughs  oxen  the 
Same  as  att  other  Highway  work    further  addition  on  the 

Second  adjournment  Voted  that  the  forty  pound  to 
make  the  Caufeway  be  affefed  and  be  Delivered  to  the 
Highway  Survey  ours  by  the  alTefsors  that  thev  bring  on 
Their  Squadrens  as  they  Shall  be  ordred  by  the  Commit- 
tee for  working  out  there  jjropotinal  parts 

Second  adjournment  addition  vote  Voted  that  the 
Highway  Surveyours  Return  there  Lifts  with  the  I)elin- 
qucnt  ])ayers  to  the  selectmen  £it  or  before  the  firft  Day 
of  December  next  to  be  added  to  there  Town  Rates 

7'y  Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  Thurfday  the 
second  Day  of  ()cto])er  Next  at  one  of  the  Clock  in  the 
after  Noon     this  meeting  is  accordingly  jidjourncd 

Phinehas  H^irtwcll   Town  Clerk 

October  y^'  2"''  1 7.SS  The  Town  meet  according  to 
there  adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned  and  procccdcil 
as  follows 

Firft  Voted  to  allow  the  Bridge  account  Brought  in 
by  Oliver  Stickncy  Phinehas  Sawyer  Committee  on  said 
Bridge  the  sum  total  of  which  is 14-12-2- 

2'-^'  Voted  that  the  Town  Treafurer  be  and  hereby  is 
ordred  to  i)ay  the  several  ])crl"ons  that  was  im])loycd  I'y 
the  Committics  on  each  Bridge  the  sum  Annexed  to  each 
l)erl'ons  Name  as  Brought  in  by  said  Committee  and  Take 
Recipts  for  the  same 

3'>'  Voted  to  Raife  Two  Hundred  X:  Twenty  ])ounds 
to  Difcharge  the  Coft  of  the  Bridges  <!v:  other  Town  Debts 
exclufive  minifters  schools  County  Road 

4'>'  Voted  to  Rcfeer  the  settling  the  money  suppofed 
to  be  in  the  hand  of  Iif(|''  Cowden  to  the  Selectmen  which 
sum  is  21— IS— ,")— vJ  as  sect  forth  in  v'   wairant 


384  The  Old  Records  of  the 

G'y  Voted  to  accept  Qf  ^  Two  Rod  Road  Laid  out  for 
Jofeph  Richardfon  Jefse  Stevens  Jofeph  How  &  others  so 
far  as  the  Land  is  Given  &  know  futher 

*Fitchburg  June  y*^  12  1788  We  the  subfcribers  have- 
ing  Laid  out  a  two  Rod  Road  in  the  Northardly  part  of 
This  Town  Begining  to  wards  the  Norardly  part  of 
Stephen  Pingrey  Land  turning  out  of  the  old  Road  by  a 
Read  oak  marked  on  the  weft  Side  Then  Runing  Through 
Ebenezer  Mcintire  Land  Then  Runing  through  part  of  M*" 
Jacob  Mcintire  Land  then  Running  Through  Land  of 
Jofeph  Richardson  then  Runing  Through  Land  of  M*"  Jefse 
Stevens  then  Runing  Through  Land  of  Jofeph  How  then 
Runs  Through  Land  of  M*^  Thomas  Greenough  to  afhby 
Line  with  trees  marked  all  the  way  on  the  wefterdly  side 
of  the  Road 

Reuben  Smith  )  Selectmen  For 

John  Thurfton  Ju"")      Fitchburg 

6'y  Voted  to  Not  accept  of  the  Report  of  the  Com- 
mittee in  Regard  to  there  finding  a  Convenant  place  to 
sect  a  meeting  houfe 

[317]  7'y  Voted  to  see  wheather  the  meeting  houfe 
Shall  Stand  where  it  Now  is    it  pafsed  in  the  Negetive   .   . 

8'-^  Voted  to  see  wheather  the  Town  will  erect  a 
meeting  Houfe  in  the  Center  of  the  Town  or  the  Neareft 
Convenant  place  &  it  pafsed  in  the  affermitive  —  after 
some  Confideration  on  the  matter    .... 

9'-^  Voted  to  Reconfider  all  the  votes  pafsed  in  Regard 
to  placing  the  meeting  Houfe 

10  Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  to  fryday  the  Third 
Day  of  this  inftant  October  at  Nine  of  the  Clock  in  the 
morning    the  meeting  adjourned  accordingly 

Phinehas  Hartwcll   Town  Clerk 

October  y*^  3'''  1788  The  Town  meet  according  to  the 
adjournment  the  meeting  being  opned 

Firft  Voted  to  take  up  the  Ninth  article  in  Regard  to 
abating  of  Rates  in  the  Colletors  hands 

*Now  known  as  part  of  Richardson  Road.    [Annotation  on  the  mar- 
gin.    W.  A.  D.] 


Totv)i  of  FitcJiburgh.  385 

2'>'  Voted  to  pafs  over  abating  Nicholas  Daiiforths 
Rate  in  Cap*^  Gibsons  Lifts  untill  inarch  Next 

3'y  Voted  to  abate  wilHam  Clerks  poll  Tax  in  Cap* 
Gibsons  Lifts  for  the  year  1781  which  sum  is  one  pound 
Eighteen  shillings  seven   pence  2'''' £1-18-7-2 

4'>'  Voted  to  abate  william  Holt  Rates  in  Jofeijh 
Phelps  Lift  for  the  year  1782  Town  Rate  3/0-1  niinifter 
Rate  3/4^1  Clafs  Rate  6/6-1  whole  some  0-12-10-3 

S'y  Voted  to  act  on  the  twelth  article  in  the  warrant 
in  Regard  to  placeing  the  meeting  houfe  motion  made  to 
see  if  the  Town  will  Reft  the  meeting  houfe  where  it  now 
stands  vote  put  up 

6'y  Voted  not  to  Reft  the  meeting  Houfe  where  it  Now 
Stands  so  pal'sed  in  the  Negitive  motioned  to  see  if  the 
Town  will  Erect  a  meeting  houfe  on  the  hill  \\\i  by  Phin'' 
Sawyers  the  Vote  put  up 

7'-^  Voted  to  erect  a  Meeting  Houfe  up  on  the  hill 
Near  Phinehas  Sawyers  Houfe  on  the  Land  belonging  to 
the  Heirs  of  M*"  Ezra  Upton  of  Danvers 

voted  to  poll  for  a  True  vote  Na3'S  17  j^eas  32    .     .     . 

8'y  Voted  to  Choofe  a  Committee  to  Confult  with  the 
inhabitants  of  the  weft  part  of  the  Town  and  inform 
them  the  proceedings  of  the  Town  in  Regard  to  placing 
the  meeting  houfe  to  accomidate  them  &  Carrey  the  same 
into  Execution 

9'y  Voted  to  Choofe  five  perfons  for  a  Committee  for 
the  above  purpofe  &  Carreying  on  the  meeting  houfe 

Viz  Reuben  Smith  Afa  Perrey  Phinehas  Sawyer  Elijah 
Carter  Jacob  upton 

Voted  this  Committee  to  be  invefted  with  power  to 
agree  with  the  owners  of  the  New  fraim  Erecting  for  a 
Meeting  Houfe  in  the  Nor  wefterdly  part  of  the  Town  if 
that  Appears  Cheapeft  for  the  Town  other  ways  are 
invefted  with  power  to  provide  mctcrals  &  Timber  for 
Building  a  New  meeting  Houfe  in  the  i)ru(lcntcft  manner 
for  said  Town  on  said  Plat  of  Ground 

10'>'  Voted  that  the  Committee  appoinlcd  to  provide 
for  building  the  New  meeting  houfe  make  a  Report  ot 
there  i)rocce(Hngs  at  the  Next  Town  meeting 


£ 

f 

d 

1- 

4- 

2 

1- 

2- 

6 

1- 

2- 

1 

1- 

1- 

8 

1- 

0- 

10 

0- 

19- 

7 

38G  77/t'  <9A/  Rcconh  of  the 

ll'>     Voted   to  accept  of  the  Committee  proeceding  in 
Letting  out  m''  payfons  wood  and   pay  each   perfons  there 
Refpective  Sums  annexed  to  there  Name 
Turn  to  the  Next  page 

[318]     Oetober  y'^  3'-^  1788 

A  Return  made  By  the  Committee  appointed  to  Let 
out  the  Gitting  mr  payfons  wood  for  the  year  1788  are  as 
follows 

bid  of  by  Nehemiah  fuller  5  Cord  4/10  each  .  . 
Bid  of  by  Benjamin  Danforth  5  Cord  at  4/6  each 
Bid  of  by  Nehemiah  fuller  5  Cord  at  4/5  each  .  . 
Bid  of  by  Joshua  Needham  5  Cord  at  4/4  each  . 
Bid  of  by  Benj-'^  Danforth  5  Cord  at  4/2  each  .  . 
Bid  of  by  Nehemiah  fuller  5  Cord  at  3/11  each    . 

6-10-10 
Voted  to  allow   the  above  sums  in  Town  meeting  to 
each  perfon  oetober  'i^"^  1788 

Recorded  By  order  of  Selectmen 

Phinehas  Hart  well   Town  Clerk 

The  Several  Sums  Raifed  in  town  meeting  to  Repair 
The  Two  Bridges  and  the  Names  of  the  perfons  that  ware 
imployed  are  as  follows 

Deacon   Kendel  Boutell  Bridge  acc^      .      .      .      .  3-9-0 

Daniel  Ferwell  Bridge  acc^ 2-15-10 

James  Poole  Bridge  acc^ 1-18-  6 

Samuell  Harriee  ace* 1-17-  0 

Jofeph  Ofgood  acc^ 1-7-0 

Thomas  French  bridge  acct 1-11-  6 

Hezekiah  Hodgskins   Bridge  acc^ 1-8-6 

John  Ozburn  Bridge  ace! 1-13-  6 

Oliver  Fullam  Bridge  accT 1-2-6 

Jacob  Fullam    Bridge  acc^ 0-13-  0 

Zacheus   Ferwell    Bridge  acct 1-4-0 

Blaney  Phillips  Bridge  aee^ 0-13-  0 

Pelege  Battles    —    —    acct 0-18-  0 

William   Moredock  ace* 0-9-6 

Thomas  Cowdin  J"'-  —  ace* 0-6-0 

Jabez  Sawyer  —  ace* 0-5-0 


Tozun  of  FitchburgJi.  387 

Thomas  Stearns  acc^ 1-19-0 

David  Goodel   Bridge  acc^ 0-16-0 

Francis  Fullum  acc^ 0-15-  0 

Nehmiah   Fuller  acc^ 1-4-0 

Nehemiah  Fuller  Ju--  acc^ 0-9-0 

John   Hodgfkins  acc^ 0-13-  6 

Daniel    Harricc    acc^ 0-9-0 

Jofeph  Downe  acc*^ 0-18-  6 

28-10-10 
£ 

Ephraim  Ozburn  Bridge  ace* 0-10-6 

Timothy  Fullam  Bridge  ace* 1-  5-6 

John  Simonds  Bridge  ace* 0-15-0 

Oliver  Brown  Bridge  ace* 0-  3-0 

John  Ferwell  Bridge  ace* 0-  6-0 

Jacob  Ozburn  Bridge  ace* 0-15-0 

Samuell  French   Bridge  ace* 0-15-0 

Andrew   Goodel   Bridge  ace* 0-15-0 

David   Pratt   Bridge  ace* 0-  5-0 

Amos  Fifk  Bridge  ace* 1-  1-8 

Jacob  Allen  Bridge  aee* 0-  9-0 

Simeon  Ferwell   Bridge  ace* 0-  6-0 

Abel  Baldwin  Bridge  ace* 0-  3-0 

William  Gale  Rum  for  y<--  Bridge 0-10-0 

Kendell   Boutell  Ju-^  Bridge  ace* 1-1-0 

Goodels   Bridge  accounts  sum   Total      ....  9-  0-8 

The  following  Bill  for  the  service  at  the  mill  Bridge 

Afeph  Goodridge  Bridge  ace* 1-14^0 

Cap*  Samuel  Burbank  Bridge  ace* 0-19-6 

David  parces  Bridge  ace* 0-  6-0 

John   Upton   Bridge  ace* 1-10-0 

Jofeph  Phelps  Bridge  ace* 0-  6-0 

John   Brown   Bridge  ace* 0-   3-0 

Amos   Parce   Bridge  ace* O-  3-0 

Jofeph  Sawyer  —  —  ace* O-  9-0 

Luke  Saw3'er  Bridge  aee* 0-  9-0 

John  Putnams  Bridge  <'icc* 0-   6-8 

Samuell   Frenchs  Bridge  ace* 0-  3-0 


388  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Solomon  Storey  Bridge  aee*^  wheels  in     ....  0-   8-G 

Solomon  Gibson  Bridge  ace*^ 0-  3-0 

Sum  total      ...  7-  0-8 

[319]     Amos  ordway   Bridge  aec*- 0-  3-0 

Jeremiah   Kinfman   Bridge  aec*^ 0-  3-0 

John  Thurfton  J"'-  Bridge  aec^ 0-  3-0 

Cap*  John   Goodridge  Bridge  ace*^ 0-  3-0 

Timothy  Fullam  Bridge  aee* 0-  6-0 

Benj'"*  Jaquith  Bridge  ace* 0-  3-0 

John  Ferwell  Bridge  ace* 0-19-6 

Jonathan  Commings  acc^ 0-  9-0 

Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  ace* 0-  4-6 

Jonathan  Holt  Bridge  aee* 0-  7-6 

Paul  wetherbee  ace* 0-  3-0 

Samuel  Harrice  acc^ 0-  3-0 

sum  Total      .      .      .  £3-  7-6 

£     f     d 

Daniel  Ferwell  ace* 0-3-0 

Joseph  Gray  Bridg  aeet 0-1-6 

Jofhua   Parce     —     acct 0-4—0 

Ephraim  Kimball  ace* 0-16-  6 

David   Pratt    —    ace* 0-  8-10 

Oliver  Stickney  aee^   vandue  in  aeet      ....  0-11-  9 

Phin«^  Sawyer  Bridge  aee!  vandue  in  acct      .      .  0-  9-11 

Jofeph  Fox  for  Rum  Shuger 0-12-  6 

Jofeph  Ofgood  —  aects 0-1-6 

Abijah  Goodridges  acc^ 0-17-  9 

Mofes  Hale  Bridge  ace* 0-11-6 


Sum  Total      .      .      .      4-18-  9 

3-  7-  6 

7-  0-  8 


15-  6-11 


October  3"^  1788   att  a  Town   Meeting  The  above  ac- 
counts w^are  Allowed 


Town  of  Fitchbiirgh.  389 

12'y    Voted  This  meeting  To  be  Diflblved 

Daniel  Putnam  Moderator 
Attest  —  Phinehas  Hart  well  Town  Clerk 

1        Worcefter  is   To  Hezckiah  Ilodgfkins  Conltable  for 

,^  '  !  The  Town  of  Fitchburg  in  s''  County  (Greeting 
(oeals)  »  o 

,„      '  .     Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Common  wealth  of 

I  ^oi  Is  I 

MaiTachufetts   to   will  &  Require    3'ou   forth    with 

in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  To  Notihe  and  warn  all  the  free- 
holders &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Qualified  by  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings  to  aiTemble 
and  meet  att  the  meeting  houfe  in  said  fitehburg  on 
Tuefda}'  the  Twenty  firft  Day  of  This  Inftant  October  at 
one  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  Then  &  their  being 
Duly  meet  &  formed  to  act  on  the  following  articles  viz 

Firft    To  Choofe  a  moderator  To  Govern  said  meeting 

2'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Vote  to  such  Inhabitants 
as  fhall  petition  there  for  The  firft  meeting  Houfe  that 
was  to  attend  public  worfhip  in  by  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Town  or  act  any  thing  their  on  as  they  shall  Think  proper 

3^y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Vote  to  the  said  peti- 
tioners the  Revernd  M*"  Payfon  to  Be  their  Minifter  they 
paying  him  his  Sallar}^  Granted  to  him  at  his  settling 
with  us  or  act  any  thing  their  on  as  they  Shall  Think 
proper 

4'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Vote  said  petitioners  with 
their  Refpective  Eftates  to  Bee  incorperated  to  be  a  poll 
parifh 

5'-^'  to  see  if  the  Town  will  Comply  with  a  Requft 
of  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burg to  Grant  that  they  together  with  there  Refpective 
Eftates  &  Intereft  may  be  set  of  from  I'ltchburg  and 
Annexed  to  the  Town  of  Lunenburg  providing  the  above 
articles  Can  not  be  Obtaned 

Hereof  T^ail  Not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant 
wnth  3^our  Dowings  there  on  To  some  or  one  of  us  on  or 
bclbre  said  Day  Given  under  our  hand  &  seals  att  I-'itch- 
burg  This  seventh   Day  of  October  A  D  17SS 

Paul  wetherbec       j  Selectmen 
Reuben  Smith  !        for 

John  Thurfton  J""  |  litehbnrg 


390  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Worccftcr  fs 

In  Obitliance  to  This  within  warrant  I  have  Notified 
and  warned  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchhur^  to 
an'enil)]c  &  mcete  at  time  and  ])laee  within  mentioned  as 
tlie  Law  Direets 

Hezekiah  Hodcrfkins  Conftable 


[3*^0]  Att  A  Meeting  of  The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  Legaly  Afifembled  on  Tuefday  the  Twenty 
Firft  Day  of  this  inftant  Oetober  1788 

Firft  Voted  &  Choofe  Hfcf  Tho«  Cowdin  Moderator 
of  s^  meeting 

2'y  Voted  to  poll  the  Houfe  on  a  motion  made  to 
adjourn  s"^  meeting  whieh  Vote  pafsed  in  the  Negetive  not 
to  adjourn 

3'y  Voted  to  Give  Thofe  petitioners  that  Called  the 
meeting  Live  to  with  Draw  there  petition  Then  voted  to 
Didolve  the  meeting 

The  meeting  is  accordingly  Diffolved 

Thomas  Cowdin   Moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwell   Clerk 

Worcefter  fs 
.  ,  ,  To  Either  of  the  Constables  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
.  .  burg  —  Greeting  Thefe  are  in  the  Name  of  the 
,  ' ,  ,  Commonweallth  of  Maffachufetts  To  will  and 
Require  you  forth  with  By  Verbale  Notice  to  warn 
all  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  Qualafied  By 
Law  in  the  Town  of  fitchburg  to  vote  in  Town  meetings 
to  affemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  houfe  in  said  Fitch- 
burg on  Tuefday  the  Twenty  firft  Da}^  of  this  inftant 
October  att  four  O  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  then  and  there 
being  Duly  meet  and  formed  to  act  on  the  following  arti- 
cles viz 

Firft     to  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 

2'^    to  See  what  method   the  Town  will  Take  for  the 

futher  support  of  of  Ephraim  Smith   who  hath   Returned 

to  this  Town  under  Necefsetous   Circumftances  or  act  any 

thing  theiron  as  thej^  shall  Think  proper 


Totun  of  Fitchbiirgh.  391 

3'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  perfue  there  procefs  in 
Law  af^anft  Cap^  EHfha  Smith  on  to  Execution  to  Gitt 
Keid  of  said  Ephraim  and  his  family  or  act  any  Thing 
thereon  as  they  Shall  Think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  This  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  Theiron  to  some  one  of  us  before  the  time 
apponted  for  said  meeting  Given  under  our  Hands  & 
Seals  this  Twenty th  Day  of  this  inftant  October  17SS 

Paul  wethcrbee      1  Select  men 
Reuben  Smith  \        for 

John  Thurfton  J'"^  J  Fitchburg 

Worcefter  fs  October  y«^  21=^^  u.^g 

A  Greable  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notified  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  of  fitchburg  that  ware  here  pref- 
ent  to  attend  at  the  Time  &  place  within  Directed 

Reuben  Smith   Conftable 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burg Legually  Aflembled  on  Tuefday  the  Twcntitli  firft 
Day  of  this  inftant  October  1788 

Firft  Voted  &  Choofe  Efq''  Tho''  Cowdin  moderator 
of  s''  meeting 

2'-^  Voted  to  Let  out  Ephraim  Smith  to  the  Lowcft 
Bidder  by  the  week  till  march  provided  he  Should  Stav 
where  he  was  put  out  in  Town 

8  Voted  to  adjourn  this  meeting  Down  to  Efci""  Cow- 
dins  Houfe  for  one  half  hour  then  to  proceede  Ephraim 
Smith  Bid  of  b}'  Stephen  pingrey  J"*"  at  Two  Shillings  & 
five  pence  a  weak  while  he  Stays  with  him 

4  Voted  to  Refer  the  Third  article  in  the  warrant  in 
Regard  to  Carring  on  the  procefs  againft  Caj)^  Elifha 
Smith  of  worcefter  to  the  Selectmen  to  Call  the  matter 
into  Execution  by  our  Agent  Choofen  for  that  purpofc  or 
by  themfclvcs  or  any  other  ])crfon  they  shall  apjjoint  in 
behalf  of  the  Town  as  soon  as  Posfable  may  be 

5  Voted  This  meeting  to  be  DiiTolved  &  is  Diflblvcd 
Accordingly 

Tho**  Cowdin  moderator 
Phinehas  Hart  well  Town  Clerk 


•302  The  Old  Records  of  the 

[321]     wcftininftcr  Afhburnham 
Recorded  on  i)agc  .•{2,'{  afterwards 

This  Day  ])reamblated  The  Lines  Hetwene  The  Towns 
of  Lunenburg  and  Fiteliljiiru:  and  Renewed  tlie  l)ounds  a 
Greal)le  to  Law 

October  23'i  1788  {"^"t  ^"",7u )        ^^fl^^tni^" 

Jacob  well  nj      of  Lunenburg 

Paul  Weathcrbee)     Selectmen 

Reuben  Smith        )  of  Fitehburg 

?•■  order  Selectmen  Recorded 

This  Da}'  preambelated  The  Lines  Betwcne  Fitehburg 
&  Afhby  Towns  and  Renewed  the  Bounds  agreeable  To 
Law 

Nov".  4".  1788       1*^  P^^-;];  j   in  Behalf  of  afhby 

Reuben  Smith  \     Selectmen  of 

John  Thurfton  Jur  /        Fitehburg 
^  order  Selectmen  Recorded 

Phin^  Hart  well  Towm  Clerk 

,  ,  .  Worcefter  fs  To  Reuben  Smith  Conftable  for  the 
,  'i  .  Town  of  fitehburg  in  s'^  County  Greeting  Thefe 
,  "/,  are  in  the  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Mafia- 
chufetts  to  will  and  Require  you  fourthwith  in 
Due  Courfe  of  Law  to  Notifie  &  warn  all  the  freeholders 
and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitehburg  Qualified 
as  the  Law  Requires  to  vote  for  a  Reprefentetive  to 
aftemble  &  meete  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  said  fitehburg 
on  Thurfday  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  December  Next  at  one 
a  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  Then  and  their  being  Duh-  meet 
&  formd  to  act  on  the  following  articles  Viz  — 

!'>•  To  Give  in  Theire  Votes  for  There  Reprefentetive 
to  Reprefent  The  people  of  This  Deftrict  which  is  the 
County  of  Worcefter  in  the  Congrefs  of  the  united   States 

2'y  To  Give  in  their  Votes  for  two  perfons  who  Shall 
be  Inhabitants  of  this  Deftrict  as  Candidats  for  an  Elector 
of  the  prefedent  and  vice  prefedent  of  the  united  States 

Hereof  fail  Not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
3'our  Downngs  Thiron  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said 


Town  of  Fitcliburgh.  393 

Day   (»iven  under  our   hands  and    Seals  this  Twenty  Bight 

Day  of  Xovenibr  A.  D.   1788 

Paul  wetherbe  Reuben  Smith 

John  Thurfton  j'"^     Seleetnien  — 

att  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitch- 
burg  Legaly  aflembled  in  Town  meeting  Decern  y^'  18'*^  1788 
agreeable  to  the  Refolve  of  the  General  Court     .... 

The  following  Gentlemen  ware  Voted  for  to  Rejircfen- 
tives  for  the  Deftrict  of  worcefter  Countv 

.N'o 

For  the  Honourable  Al)el  Wilder  Ei'q'^  votes  ....  37 
For  the  Honourable  Jonathan  Warren  Efq""  votes  .  .  1 
For  the  Honourable  Timothy  paine  Efq''  votes     ...       1 

Likewife  The  following  Gentlemen  ware  Voted  for  as 
Candadates  for  Elector  of  the  prefedent  and  Vice  prefedent 
of  the  united  States 

No 

For  the  Honourable  Seth  warfhburn  Efq""  votes  17 

For  the  Honourable  John  Fefsondon  Elq''  votes  15 

For  the  Honourable  Artemos  ward  Efq''  vots  9 

For  the  Honourable  John  Sprague  Efq*"  votes  8 

For  the  Hon"  Jonathan  Grout  Efq*"  votes  1 
Recorded  By  order  of  The  General  Court  &c 

Phin'^  Hartwell   Clerk 

[333]     W^orcefter  fs 

,  ,     To    Either    of    The    Constables    of    the    Town    of 

(  SCI. Is ) 

,     \  ,     Fitchburg  Greeting  Thefe  are  in   the  Name  of  the 

(seals) 

^       .        Commonwealth   of  MalTachufetts   to   will  and   Re- 

quire  you  in  Due  Courfe  of  Law  to  Xotifie  and 
warn  all  y*^  Freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  Oulified  By  Law  to  vote  in  Town  meetings 
to  aflemble  and  meet  at  the  meeting  Houfe  in  said  Fitch- 
burg on  munday  the  Eighth  Day  of  December  Next  at 
Two  of  the  Clock  in  the  after  Noon  Then  <Sc  their  being 
Duly  meet  &  forme''  to  act  on  the  following  articles  Viz 
Firft  To  Choofe  a  Moderator  to  Govern  said  meeting 
2'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Sett  of  the  Xorweftardly 
part   of  s''  Town  as  a  Town    Wv.   bcgining   at    weftminfler 


394  The  Old  Records  of  the 

Line  at  the  South  weft  Corner  of  Nethaniel  Sawyers  Land 
including  Thomas  Fairbanks  Benj''^  Hartwell  Tho*"  Carter 
Ivlijah  Carter  the  Heirs  of  Ezra  Upton  Phinehas  Hartwell 
Stephen  &  Tho*^  Thurfton  and  from  thence  to  afhby  Line 
with  their  Tenements  &  Eftates  or  act  any  thing  thereon 
as  they  shall  think  proper 

3'y  if  the  Town  Should  not  See  fitt  to  comply  with 
the  above  Requests  we  would  erneftly  Requeft  of  the 
Town  that  they  would  set  us  off  as  a  parifh  upon  Hor- 
ourable  Terms  as  may  be  agreed  upon  with  Being  an- 
nexed with  the  adjacent  parties  or  act  any  thing  thereon 
as  they  Shall  Think  proper 

4'^  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Raife  any  Sum  or  Sums 
of  money  to  Repair  The  County  Road  betwene  Charles 
willards  and  the  Town  Line  or  act  any  thing  thereon  as 
they  Shall  Think  proper 

5'y  To  See  if  the  Town  will  Give  up  some  Beeds  and 
other  Houfehould  Furneture  To  the  wife  of  Ephraim  Smith 
which  was  Brought  to  this  Town  with  them  which  are 
at  M*"  Seth  Phillipfes  or  act  any  Thing  theiron  as  they 
shall  Think  proper 

Hereof  fail  not  and  make  Return  of  This  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before 
said  Da3^  Given  under  our  hands  and  scales  This  Twenty 
Second  Day  of  November  A.  D.  1788 

Paul  Wetherbee     1  Select 
Reuben  Smith  } 

John  Thurfton  J"*-]   "^^" 

Worcefter  fs 

In  obediance  to  This   within   warrant  I  have  Notified 

and   warned  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  to 

affemble  and  meet  at  Time  and  place  wnthin  mentioned  as 

the  Law  Direct 

Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  Conftable 

Att  a  Meeting  of  The  Inhabitants  of  The  Town  of 
fitchburg  Affembled  on  munday  y^  8^^  Day  of  December  A 
D  1788    The  meeting  being  opned  proceeded  as  follows 

Firft  Voted  &  Choofe  Thomas  Cowden  Efq''  Modera- 
tor of  said  meeting 


Town  of  FitcJtburgJi.  395 

2'-^'  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  Second  &  Third  articles  in 
the  warrant  at  y*^  prefent 

3'y  Voted  to  pafs  over  the  fourth  article  in  the  war- 
rant in  Regard  to  Raifmg  any  money  to  Repair  the 
County  Road  Near  Jacob  Uptons 

[3;:i3]  4'y  Voted  That  the  wife  of  Hphraim  Smith 
shall  have  her  Houfehold  furniture  provided  She  Takes 
away  her  Children  from  the  Town  That  the  Tt)wn  Re- 
ceives know  further  Damages  from  said  famih-     .     .     . 

5'y  Voted  to  adjourn  the  Second  &  Third  article  in 
the  warrant  to  the  Eighteenth  Da}'  of  This  inftant  Decem- 
ber at  Ten  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning  Then  to  See  if 
the  Town  will  Sect  of  the  Norweftardly  part  of  said  Town 
as  a  Town  or  ])arifh 

Phine''  Ilartwell  Town  Clerk 


Decembr  y''  18*'^  1788  The  Town  aiTembled  according 
to  adjournment  the  meeting  Being  opned  the  people  Ready 
to  attend  none  of  the  Requefters  appeared  to  act     .     .     . 

Firft  Voted  to  adjourn  This  meeting  to  four  a  Clock 
on  said  Day  in  the  after  Noon  then  to  meete 

The  Town  Being  meet  at  five  a  Clock  on  Said  Day  the 
meeting  being  opncd  None  of  the  Requefting  party  of  said 
meeting  appeared  to  support  the  Caufe  or  Defirc  any  fur- 
ther adjournment 

2'y  Voted  to  Difolve  This  meeting  the  meeting  is 
Difolvcd  accordingly 

Thos  Cowdcn  moderator 
Phinehas  Hartwcll  Town  Clerk 


-  Worceftcr  fs  To  Hezekiah  Hodgfkins  Conftable 
t  \  for  Fitchl)urg  in  s''  County  Greeting  Thefe  arc  in 
The  Name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  MalTachu- 
fetts  to  will  &  Rcc[uire  you  fourthwith  in  Manner  as  the 
Law  Directs  to  Notifie  &  warn  all  the  freeholders  and 
other  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitchburg  Qulificd  to 
Vote  for  a  Reprefentetive  to  the  C.cncral  Court  of  This 
Commonwealth  to  affemble  and  niccl  att  the  meeting 
houfe  on  Thurfday  the   Twenty-  Ninth  of  January  Currant 


39G  The  Old  Records  of  the 

nt  Two  of  the  Clock  in  the  fiftcr  Noon  to  (iive  in  there 
Votes  for  a  Reprefentetivc  who  Shall  be  an  inhabitant  of 
the  Deftrict  of  worcefter  to  Reprfcnt  the  said  Deftrict  in 
the  Congrefs  of  the  united  States  of  America 

Hereof  fail  Not  and  make  Return  of  this  warrant  with 
your  Dowings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before 
said  Day  Oiven  under  our  hand  and  seals  att  fitehburg 
the  sixteenth  Day  of  January  A.  D.  1789 

Paul  Wetherbee      \  Selectmen  for 
John  Thurfton  J"'^)     I'itchburg 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitehburg  Legaly 
Affemblcd  in  Town  meeting  on  Thurfday  the  Twent3^  Ninth 
Day  of  this  inftant  January  1789  agreable  to  a  Refolve  of 
y*^  General  Court 

Then  Gave  in  there  Votes  for  the  following  Gentlemen 
in  the  Deftrict  of  worcefter  to  Reprefent  the  people  thereof 
in  the  Congrefs  of  the  united  Stats 

No  Vots 

For  the  Honourable  Artamas  Ward   Efq'' 12 

For  the  Honourable  Timothy   Pain   Efq*" 10 

For  the  Honourable  Abel   Wilder   Efq*" 5 

For  the  Honourable  Jonathan  Grout  Efq'' 1 

In  obedience  to  the  within  warrant  I  have  Notified 
and  warned  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  fitehburg 
to  affemble  and  meete  att  time  and  place  within  mentioned 
as  the  Law  directs  Hezekiah  Hodgskins  Conftable 

This  being  sect  here  by  omiting  the  proper  place 

Phinehas  Hartwell   Town  Clerk 


March  24^^  1789  This  Day  the  Line  betwene  weft- 
minfter  &  fitehburg  preambilated  &  Renewed  the  Bounds 
according  to  Law  By  us  the  subfcribcrs  Selectmen  for 
Fitehburg  &  weftminster 

Edmund  Bemis     \   Selectmen  for 
Jonathan   Hagerj      weftminfter 
Paul  Wetherbee       \  Selectmen  for 
John  Thurfton  Jur  j      fitehburg 


TowJi  of  FitcJiburgh.  397 

March  24  1789  \vc  the  su1)rcribers  have  this  Day  prc- 
ambclrited  and  Renewed  the  Bounds  betwene  Afhlnirnham 
&  Fitehburg  according  to  Law 

Samuel  Fofter        \  Selectmen   for 
Jonathan  Samfon  \   Ashburnham 
Paul  Wetherbec       (  Selectmen  for 
John  Thurfton  Jur  j     Fitehburg 

[324]  Worccfter  fs  To  Either  of  the  Conftables  of 
.  The  Town  of  Fitehburg  in  s*'  Count\'  Greeting 
,  *" ,  ,  Thefe  are  In  the  Name  of  The  Commonwealth  of 
\^  .  Alaflachufetts  To  will  and  Keciuire  3'ou  forthwith 
By  Verble  Notice  to  warn  all  The  Freeholders  and 
Other  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fitehburg  Qulified  as 
the  Law  Directs  to  Vote  for  a  Reprefcntetive  to  the  Gen- 
eral Court  of  This  Commonwealth  to  aflemble  &  meet  at 
the  meeting  Houfe  in  said  F'itchburg  on  munday  The 
Second  Day  of  March  Next  at  four  a  Clock  after  Noon  to 
Give  in  there  Votes  for  a  Reprefcntetive  to  Reprefent  the 
Said  Deftrict   of  worccfter  in   the   Congrefs   of  the   United 

States  of  America 

Hereof  fail  Not  and  make  return  of  This  warrant  with 
your  Doings  thereon  to  some  one  of  us  on  or  before  said 
Day  Given  under  our  hands  &  Seals  this  Twentieth  Day 
of  February  A.  D.  1789 

Paul  \Vetherl)ec      j 

Reuben  Smith  |  Selectmen 

John  Thurfton  J'"  J 

Worccfter  fs 

Agreable  t(j  the  within  warrant  I  have  warned  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  ol"  litchburg  I'y  X'erble  Notice 
to  iittend  at  the  time  &  ])laee  within  mentioned     .     .     . 

Reuben  Smith  Conl'table 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  I-'itehlnirg  being 
Legally  alVembled  in  Tt)wn  Meeting  on  Mundav  the  second 
Day  of  March  1789  Agreable  to  the  Refolve  of  the  General 
Court  (lave  in  there  Votes  for  the  following  (icntlemen 
in  the  Deftrict  of  worccfter  County  to  Reprefent  the  People 
thereof  in  the  Congrefs  of  the  liiited  States     .... 


398  The  Old  Records  uf  i'ltchbiirgh. 

Votes 

For    the     Horourable    Artamos    Ward 

Hlq'-  No   of  Votes 10 

For  the  Horourable  Jonathan  Grout  liO]''  20 
For  the  Horourable  Timothy  Paine  bvlq'    10 


Keprefen  tcti  ve 
to  Conjrrefs 


Sealed   up  &   Direeted   to  the  secretary  office  agreeable 

to  order  ot"  Court 

Phinehas  Hiirtvvell   Town  Clerk 


Qh^/l-cAyUYY^  Ui£a  his2AJ  (oJ^oL/n     (^a/r^ 


1764,   1765. 


cA^^i^oJlJ^ 


1766. 


^Qtudyvi   ^oijyv 


1767—1774. 
1779,  1780. 
1782,  1783. 


1775—1778. 

1781. 
1796—1807. 


!? 


iS.Tz^^^ar^^p^  C^' 


1784—1795. 


APPENDIX 


APPENDIX. 


rAPKHS    FROM    Till-:    .MASSAC I U'SETTS    AKCHIVKS. 


Whereas  the  Late  act  of  Court  Passed  for  filling;  np  and  Complcat- 
ing  the  Continental  arnu'  ordered  a  Ketiirn  to  be  made  to  the  Secre- 
taries office  on  or  before  y^  first  Day  of  June  Next  but  Did  not  say  bv 
whome  s'l  Return  shouUl  be  made  these  ma}'  Certify  that  the  niiUtia 
officers  of  the  to\vn  of  Fitehburg  Have  agreeable  theirto  Drafted  four 
men  and  made  a  return  to  the  Colo  of  the  Kegimcnt  s'^  men  to  serve 
in   the   Continental   service   for  Nine   months 


David   (loodridge     1      e  i     + 
Ph  inch  as    H  art  well  (      ^^"''y* 
Abraham   (Gibson       ."'.^'V, 
To   the  Secretary's  Elijah   Carter  j  lUcliDurg 


Fitehburg    May    v^  20t^li  177S , 

lien  lor 


office 
[Vo/.  41,  page  .?5.S\] 


An  accompt  of  the  several  articles  Collected  from  the  inhabitants  of 
the  town  of  Fitehburg  for  the  Cont"  soldiers  and  the  price  of  each  arti- 
cle as  follows  viz 

Twenty  four  jiairs  of  Shoes  at  48/—  each  jiair  C57— I'J— 0 

Twenty  four      "      of  Stockings  at  30/-  "        "  36   00   0 

Twenty   one   Woolen    Shirts               GO/-  "     shirt  G3   00  0 

three    Linen    Shirts                           at   40/-  "         "  G   00  0 

iMtchburg   Sci)tcml)cr  yi'   18   1778 

To  John  Wate  agent  for  the  County  of  Worcester  Sr  We  here  send 
you  the  things  that  we  have  collected  and  the  jiriee  of  each  article  that 
we  were  obliged  to  give  as  you  may  see  inventory  above  We  have 
taken  imwcarietl  i)ains  to  Compleat  our  Coto  lUit  through  sickness  and 
want  of  Help  we  arc  Disepointcd  and  Cud  not  make  a  seasonable  Return 
for  we  new  not  what  we  should  Collect  Ijcforc.  Our  Sjiirite  is  (lot)tl  but 
our    Help   is    we.'dv 

1  >avid    Ci()(){liid<;c     lot     < 

1)1  ■      1         II      *       II    Seleclmen 

I  liiiulias    IlartwelH         .• 

Al)i  aliam    (lilisoii     ( ,>.,   ,  , 
II-     1     <  •      .  Iilcliburg 

I  lo/.    It.  i,:iKc  ■-•<><:. \ 

26 


402  Appendix. 

To   the   IIonoiiral)lc'    tlic    Senate    niul    House    of    Rej)resentatives   of   the 

Commonwealth    of    Massaehusetts    In    Ccncral    Court    asscml)le(l    at 

Boston  May  r)th  1781 

The  ])etition  of  Ai3ijah  Ilolbrook  in  the  Name  and  Behalf  of  Silas 
Pratt  of  Fitehbur^h  in  the  County  of  Worcester  in  the  s'l  Commonwealth 

Humbly  Sheweth  that  the  said  Silas  preferred  a  petition  to  the  Gen- 
eral Court  In  the  month  of  January  Last  praying  that  he  might  be 
allowed  His  Wages  for  ten  months  &  Eleven  Days  which  he  was  in 
Captivity  In  New  York  in  the  Year  1780  and  for  the  loss  of  a  blanket 
but  your  petitioner  finds  that  the  petition  is  lost  or  mislaid,  Your 
petitioner  Therefore  prays  Your  Honours  to  take  the  Case  into  your  wise 
Consideration  and  as  the  proper  Vouchers  Cannot  be  found  Enquire  of 
the  Honourable  Jaljez  Fisher  of  the  Senate  and  Capt  Cowden  Represent- 
ative of  scl  Fitchburgh  and  grant  such  Releif  as  3'ou  In  your  Wisdom 
Ma_v  See  Just  and  Reasonable  as  your  petitioner  In  Duty  bound  Shall 
Ever  pray 

Abijah  Holbrook 

[Vol.  187,  page  127.'\ 

To  the  HonWe  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives  in   General   Court 

assembled  Sept.  1782 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Cowdin  in  behalf  of  the  Town  of  Fitchburg 
Humbly  sheweth  that  the  Number  of  Men  for  the  Continental  Army  by 
the  last  Requisition  was  four  Men  for  the  s^  Town  accordingly  thev 
have  raised  three  able  Men  &  sent  forward  to  said  Army — &  suppose  that 
three  Men  is  the  full  Proportion  for  said  Town  according  to  the  Neigh- 
boring Towns.  And  as  said  Town  is  ready  at  all  Times  to  do  their  ful] 
proportion  &  are  greatly  Burdened  with  Bridges  &  Bad  Roads  Where- 
fore your  Petitioner  humbly  prays  that  this  Hon'^'e  Court  would  remit 
to  the  Town  of  Fitchburgh  aforesd  the  Fine  that  is  already  laid  on 
srt  Town  for  not  raising  the  4th  Man  according  to  the  said  last  Requisi- 
tion   And  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray 

Thos    Cowdin 

[Vol.  23S,  page  S6.] 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts 
In  the  House  of  Representatives  October  1^^  1782 

On  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Cowden  in  behalf  of  the  Town  of  Fitch- 
burg Praying  for  the  remission  of  a  fine  Laid  on  said  Town  for  not 
Procuring  one  man  of  the  Last  three  years  Men  for  the  Continental  Army 

Resolved  that  the  Pra3'er  of  the  said  Petition  be  so  far  Granted  that 
the  execution  against  the  said  Town  of  Fitchburg  for  the  Deficiency  of 
one  Man  for  the  Last  requisition  of  Men  to  fill  up  the  Continental  Army 
be  staid  untill  the  further  Order  of  the  General  Court  — any  Resolve  to 
the  Contrary  Notwithstanding 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

Xath   Gorham   Speaker 
In  Senate  Novr    2d    1782 

Read  &  Concurred  .Approved 

S.  Adams,  Prest  John  Hancock 

[Vol.  23S,  page  ST.I 


INDEX 


INDEX. 


Act  of  incorporation,  1. 
Acton,  church  in,  4-5. 

,  resident  of,  321. 

Adams,  Hon.  John,  281. 

,  loseph,  121,  134,  14-7,  151,  1G8, 

173',  174,  176-1  SI. 

.  Samuel,  402. 

,   Widow   (Josei)h),   181. 

,  Kev.  Winchester,  37. 

• ,  Kev.  Zalnliel,  281. 

Address  sent  l)v  General  Court,  333. 

Ainj,'er,  Rev.  Samuel,  27,  33,  39,  40. 

Ahlen,  Mr.,  50. 

Aldrich,  see  Oldridjje. 

Allen,  Jacob.  296,  349.  369,  381,  387. 

,  Samuel.  290,  292. 

Ammunition,  lv59,  161. 

Annexation   of  ])art  of  Westminster, 

301,  302. 

to     Lunenburg     petitioned     for, 

389.  390. 

Annual  meeting,  time  fixed,  3.  5. 
Area  of  town  to  be  ascertained,  324. 
Asiiburnham,    295,    392,   397.      (See 

Dorchester  Canada.) 
Ashbv  line,  67,    122,   268,   282,  384, 

392.  394. 
,    roads     to,     6 

282. 
,  set  off,  8. 

West  Road,  71 

Avery.  John,   131 . 

Axes,  shovels  and  j)ickaxes,  244,  247. 

H.MiCoCK,  see   Hadcock. 

Hadcock,  Nathan.  98,  147,310,313, 

315.  369,  371. 
Hakcr,   Samuel,    231,    251,  265,  293. 

347,  376. 
IWilcv,  Benjamin,  6(). 
Haldwin,  .Vbel,  27,  42,    IS'.I,  262,  265, 

387. 

,  Eleazer,  258. 

,  Joseph,  258. 

Bancroft,   Ketulal,   169,    189. 

,  Mr.,   118. 

Ba])tists,  351-353. 
Barnes,  Betty,  375. 


72,    208, 

268, 

211 
262 
340 

268,  282. 

,  1 

Barnes,  liphraim,  375. 

,   Francis,  375. 

,  Loral,  375. 

,  Lydia,  375. 

,  Susanna,  375. 

Battles,  Pelej;,  386. 

Bavonets,  112-114,  119,  356,  357. 

Beef  for  the  armv,  219-222,  232-237. 
239,  283.  285.' 289. 

Beene.  William.  245. 

Bellows,  Capt.  Josei)h,  122.  123.  150. 

Bemis,  Edmund,  396. 

Bernard,  Gov.  Francis,  2. 

Berrv,  Nathaniel.  298. 

,' Samuel,  298.  312. 

Bigelow.  Rofi^er,  102.  148. 

Boston.  238,  309. 

,  corres])ondencc  with,  56,  91-95. 

,  poor  of.  108,  109. 

Bounty  for  wild  animals,  182. 

Boutcll,  Iinsi<jfn,  Cai)t..  Dca.  Ken- 
dal. 4,  6,  7.  14,  21.  23.  27.  49. 
55.  58,  66.  69,  72,  76,  78,  79,  90. 
92.  93,  97,  99,  102,  105,  110,  113, 
114,  116-118,  120,  122,  134,  137, 
138,  147,  148,  152,  159,  162-165. 
107,  171.  174.  184,  198,199.2(11, 
217,  236.  242,  245,  257,  260. 
278,  289.  333,  334, 
370,  372.  382,  380. 
387. 
James. 


251, 


263.  277, 

342,  352, 

Kendell,  Jr. 

Bowdoin,     Hon.     James.     21^ 
265,  318,  347. 

Boyenton,  .Mr.,  28. 

Bovnton,    Jonathan.  121,   149. 

Bradford,  Debbe,  247. 

,  Fanev,  247. 

,  Mrs.'Marv.  247. 

,  Cai)t.  S:in'uicl,  247,  218. 

Brattle,  William,  365. 

Bridj^c,  Lieut.,  Capt.,  Maj.,  Col.  HI) 
enczcr,  4,  14.  24.  26.  27,  32.  48 
58.  65.  68-70.  74.  78,  S3,  85,  91 
93,  96-99,  104,  105.  107.  114.  157 
164-,  171.  177.  178.  183,  188,  195 
197,  199,  207.  217,  257,  288,  289 
298.  332. 

,  John,  of  Lexinj^ton,  49,  51. 


406 


Index. 


Bridges,    15-19,    24,    32,  49,    51-53, 

57,  59,  03,  64,  67,  75,  76,  78-80, 
82-84,  86,  88-90,  96,  98,  100,  102, 

120,  122,  173,  174,  203,  204,  207, 
245,  263,  278,  288,  289,  294,  296, 
297,  308-310,  313,  339-341,  343, 
358,  359,  362-364,  368,  370,  372, 
380-383,  386-388,  402, 

Brooks,    Jonathan,    123,    150,    170, 

172,  208,  209. 
Brown,  John,  387. 

,  Mr.,  49. 

,  OHvcr,  245,  263,  278.  285,  296, 

312,  369,  387. 
,  Phinehas,    98,    123,    150,    109, 

170,  172,  207-209,  225,   312,  326, 

342,  348. 

,  Silas,  272. 

,  Col.  William,  of  Salem,  67,  98. 

,  Lieut.  William,   168,   174,   183, 

217,  226,  227,  238,  260,  262,  271, 

330,  342,  352,  372. 
Burbank,    Capt.   Samuel,    202,    207, 

216,  226,  228,  237,  245,  246,  257, 

262,   264-267,   273-275,   277,   285, 

288,  325,  326,  329,  330,  342,  348, 

349,  356,  365,  367,  309,  372,  387, 
Burdens  of  the  town,   petition  con- 
cerning, 335-337. 
Burnham,    Robert,    310,    335,    350, 

300,  301. 
Burt,  Mr.,  148. 

Burying  cloths,  182,  184,  185,  205. 
Burying  yards,  7,  20-22,  25,  38,  45, 

46,  62," 03,  74,  243,  240,  300,  307, 

309. 
Buss,  John,   24,   32,   48,  49,   51,  59, 

00,  07,  72,  85,  97,   111,  133,  147, 

109,  189. 

Calton,  Solomon,  342,  309. 

Cambridge,  118. 

,    constitutional    conyention    at, 

195-197. 
,    Provincial    Congress    at,   107- 

109. 
Carlton,  see  Calton. 
Carter,  Lieut.  Eliiah,  00,  72,  85,  117, 

121,  125,  120, '132,  135,  139,  140- 
149,  108,  173,  175-177,  179,  180, 
183,  184,  180-188,  190,  192,  194, 
196,  200,  201,  203,  206,  208,  212- 
220,  223,  225,  237,  300,  369,  385, 
394,  401. 

,  John,    97,    98,    121,    123,   147, 

162-164,  220,  229,  233,  234,  236, 
240,  241,  245,  258,  289,  301. 

,  Cornet  Thomas,  00.  394. 

,  Thomas,  (Lunenburg),  87. 

Caswell  road,  122. 


Cattle  from  other  towns  not  to  be 
pastured,  22,  25. 

Census,  134,  161. 

Center  of  the  town,  5,  6,  13,  174, 
324,  326,  380,  384. 

Certificates  for  abatements  of  state 
tax,  333,  362. 

Chadwick,  William,  4,  14,  15. 

Chaffin,  Widow  Rtbekah,  321. 

Chambcrlan,  lilisha,  371. 

Circular  letters  from  (General  Court, 
254. 

Clap,  Col.,  291. 

Clayerack,  204. 

Clerk,  William,  385. 

Clothing  for  the  army,  234-236. 

Colledge,  Josiah.  51. 

Collins,  Jedediah,  86,  88. 

Colwell,  Adam,  242. 

Commings,  Jonathan,  388.  See  Cum- 
mins. 

Commins,  Col.  John,  281. 

Committee  for  incorporation,  5,  6. 

of    inspection,     107,     109,    132, 

147,   148. 

to     consult     concerning     new 

county,  303. 

Common   land,   15,  49,   51,    67,   72, 

111,  112,  172,  208. 
Concord,  conventions    at,  195,   197, 

200,  202-204. 

fight,   provisions    sent    to,   107, 

170. 

,    Provincial    Congress    at,    101, 

102. 
Confederation,  articles  of,  165,  166. 
Congress,     Continental,      107,     108, 

115,  126,  127,  165,  166. 
,  Provincial,  102,  104,  106,  107, 

109,  114-116. 
,   United    States,   392,   393,   396- 

398. 
Constitution,  Federal,  360-302. 
,  State,  136-138.   178,   179,  192, 

195,  210,  211,  214,  218,  219. 
,    State,    reasons    for    opposing, 

137,  138. 
Continental  service,   156,   158,    159. 
162-164,  167,   173,  177,  178,  194- 

196,  199,  201,  210,  213.  216,  217, 
222,  223,  227,  228,  231,  241, 
254,  258,  260.  399,  401,  402. 

tax,  274.  275. 

Conventions,     101,     102,    110,    178, 

192.    193,    195-198,    200,   202-204, 
210,  250-252,  283,   284,  289,  303, 
336-339,  360-362. 
Correspondence,   Committees  of,   92- 
95,  122,  147,  148. 

on  public  affairs,  103. 


Index. 


407 


Cotton,  John,  3. 

Counterfeit    monev,    358.   3GU,    368, 

371. 
County  convention  to  be  called,  336- 

338.' 
,  division  of,  K,  287,  289,  303. 

officers,  elections  of,  22,  71,  110. 

120,  122,  135,  138,  139,  151.  180, 
225,  287,  290-292,  320,  374-,   375. 

roads.    15,    24,    26,    28,   32,   33, 

49-51,  v58-60,  73,  79-81,  98,  123, 
14-9-151.  162-164,  170,  172,  208, 
209,  264,  277,  278,  300,  301,  324, 
326,  358.  359,  380,  382,  383,  394, 
395. 

Covenant,  104,  108,  109. 

Cowdin,  Ca])t.  Thomas,  7-21,  23, 
24,  26,  27,  29-31,  33-37,  39-56, 
58-92,  95-109,  113.  114,  118,  125, 
139,  148,  160,  171,  174,  184-186, 
188,  190-199,  201,  203,  206.  210- 
224,  232,  234,  238,  242,  244,  245, 
247-262,  264-272,  274,  275,  278, 
279,  281,  284,  286,  289,  299,  300, 
303,  306,  308,  309,  314,  316,  320, 
331,  332,  344,  345,  349,  354,  355, 
358,  359,  363-365,  371,  372,  380- 
383,  390,  391,  394,  395,  399,  402. 

,  Thomas,  gives  £500  for  school- 
ing, 217. 

,  Thomas.  Jr.,  171,  188,  201,  208, 

258,  262,  315,  339,  342,  345,  346, 
348-352,  355,  356,  360,  361,  367. 
368,  371,  386. 

Cox,  William,  23. 

Cummins,  Jonathan,  97.  See  Com- 
mings. 

Currencv,  troubles  arising  froni  de- 
preciation of,  161,  163,  202,  210, 
211,  222,  223,  226,  228,  231,  232, 
235,  239-243,  248.  249,  320. 

Curtis,  Samuel,  215,  231,  251,  265, 
281,  318,  347. 

Cushing,  Hon.  Thomas,  231,  251, 
265,  293,  318,  347, 


Danfortii,  Ik-njamin,  323,  386. 

,  James,  254,  255,  259. 

,  Nicholas.  14.  15,  23.  32-34,  58 

66,  86,  97,  111,  121,  147,  151,  153,       

15(5-1 60,  162,  1(')3,  165,    166,  168,       

170.  188,  202.  227,  385. 

,  William,  258. 

Darby,  Amos,  208. 

,  Daniel,  272. 

,  Nahum,  272. 

,  Richard,  Jr.,  131. 

,  Samuel,  263. 

Davicc,  Maimah,  323. 

,  Toter,  323. 


Davis,  Joseph,  373. 

,  Oliver,  72.  80.  88,  325. 

,  Samuel,  238.  263. 

Dean.  Francis,  208. 

Debts,  165,  166,  240,  242.   253-255. 

301.  302.  364,  365,  377-381. 
Declaration    of     Independence,     126- 

131. 
Delegate  to  convention  at   Concord. 

200,  202,  204. 
Delegates    to   constitutional    conven- 
tions, 195-197,  360-362. 
to  countv  conventions.  19(>,  197, 

250,  251,  283,  284,  289.   336-338. 
Densmore.  see  Dinsmoor. 
Derby,  see  Darby. 
Dinsmoor.  Dr.  William,  231,  251. 
Dorchester  Canada,  1,  8. 
Dorr,    judge  [oseph,  215,  251. 
Downe.  Joseph.   32,   48.   51.   58.  73. 

86-88,    121,    217,    257,   297,    306, 

313,  342,  348,  387. 

,  Samuel,  80,  86-88,  207,  263. 

Drafting,  176,  177,  194. 

Dutton,  Thomas,  4,  7,  15,  24,  33. 

E.\To.\,  .\aron,  208,  245,  326. 

,  .\l)iather.  326. 

.  .\sa,  321. 

,  Benjamin,  321. 

.  Lvdia.  321. 

.  Thomas,  208,  296. 

,  William,  271. 

imerson,  Mr.,  14. 

ivens,  Thomas,  392. 

.\IKH.\NKS,  Thomas,  394. 

arebanks,  l{phraim,  255. 

arlev,  Timothy,  32. 

arnsworth,   loseph,  218,  321. 

arwell.  .\))raham,  72,  98,  16(i,  168. 

268,  281.  282.  296. 

— .    Daniel.    86-88.    97.     111.    121. 

147.  157.  160.  202,  207,    209-211, 

222.  223,  239-241,    243.  246,  247, 

257,  271,  273,  278,  285,  288,  297, 

306,  310,  313,  314,  321,325,327. 

329,  349,  352,  365.  371.  372,  386, 

388. 

— ,  Daniel,  321. 

im,  207,  217,  257,  279,    2.S(), 

285-287,    290-295,    3»»0.    302-309, 

311,  312,  325,  329.330,  366,367, 

387,  388. 

,  John,  321. 

,  Widow   I-ucv,  321. 

,  Lucv,  321. 

,   Luther,  321. 

,  Simeon,  387. 

,  Zaccheus,  369,  386. 


408 


Index. 


Fast  days,  HO,  :J7,  21.'{. 

Fcrvvcll,  see  Farvvell. 

Fcsseiuleii,  Hon.  Jolin,  .'51 S,  3-4-7,  876, 

Fine  for  fnlse  invoice,  63,  64. 

laid  on  the  town,  190,  402. 

for  not  attending  worship,  368, 

370. 

Fisher,  Jabez,  402. 

Fisk,  Amos,  387. 

Fitch,  John,  4,  7,  8,  21,  23. 

I'lngg,  lihenczcr,  373. 

,  WilHam,  23. 

Flat  Kock  road,  72. 

Flint,  Jonathan,  123,  277,  342. 

,  Capt.    Joseph,    148,    150,    164, 

170,  172,  174. 

Foster,  Jacob,  121. 

,  Samuel,  397. 

Fouler,  Ezekiel,  60,  87. 

Fox,  Joseph,  90,  105,  109,  110,  112, 
114,  115,  117-119,  121,  122,  121- 
127,  131,  134,  135,  137-139,  145, 
147,  151,  153,  155-158,  161,  165, 
166,  168,  172,  175,  178-182,  184, 
202,  205,  206,  225,  228,  230,  231, 
233,  234,  237,  238,  240,  243,  244, 
246-249,  257,  265,  270,  271,  274, 
285,  296,  307,  309,  325,  349,  369, 
381,  382,  388. 

Foxcroft,  Mr.,  73. 

Franklin  road,  73. 

French,  James,  326. 

,  Jesse,   14,   15,   24,    52,    53,   58, 

72,  86-88,  168,  188,  189,  257,  287. 
289,  312. 

,  Samuel,  887. 

,  Thomas.  386. 

Fullam,  Elisha,  21,  23,  24,  27,  30, 
48,  51,  55,  62. 

,  Francis,  48,  51,  58,  73,  98,  170, 

274,  330,  367,  387. 

,  Jacob,  257,  278,  296,  386. 

,  Mr.,  43. 

,  Oliver,  375,  386. 

,  Timothv,  48,  51.  121,  387,  388. 

Fuller,  John,  100,  392. 

,  Nehemiah,   23,   48,   55,   58,   59, 

80,  96,  98,  148,  272,  381,  386, 
387. 

,  Nehemiah,  Jr.,  387. 

,  Stephen,  285. 

G.\i,K,  William,  387. 

Gardner,  Rev.  Mr.,  37. 

Garfield,  Elijah,  85,  97,  111.  157, 
188,  189,  227.  238.  242,  258,  268, 
271,  288,  297,  300,  303,  308,  312, 
313,  316. 

Gary,  Thomas,  4,  14,  24,  25,  284. 


General  Court,  8,  12,  48,  52.  53,  99. 
115,  116,  118,  124,  125,  127,  136- 
138,  152,  161-165,  176-178,  190, 
194,  195,  218-223.    233,  238,  251, 

252,  254,  258-260.  266.  267,  275, 
285,  286,  304,  318,  319,  322,  333- 
337,  350,  351,  355.  360,  378,  379, 
393,  396,  399,  401,   402. 

General  Court's  committee,  171. 

Gerry,  Hon.  Ivlbridge,  376. 

Gibson,  Lieut.  Abraham,  80,  134. 
164,  168,  173,  175-177,  179-181, 
183,  184,  187,  202,  207,  401. 

,  Abraham,  Jr.,  188,  342. 

,  Bezaleel,  296. 

,  Isaac,  4,  8,  14,  15,   19.   24,  31, 

34-48,  50-54,  58-62,  64,  65,  67-70. 
90,  92,  97,  98,  100-104,  106-108, 
110,  112-114,  116-118,  120,  121, 
123,  125,  126,  134-136,  146,  147, 
152-154,  157-160,  162-165,  167, 
168,  171,  172,  184,  217. 

,  Jacob,  98,  245,   270,   278,  283, 

284,  312. 

,  John,  73. 

,   Lt.,    Capt.,   Reuben,  4-6,  8,  13, 

15,  16,  27,  31,  45,  62,  69.  83,  92, 
101,  109,  111-120,  122,  147,  160, 
164,  170,  172,  188,  189,  191.  193, 
201,  202,  204,  206,  214,  217,  225, 
229,  231,  232,  238-241,  248,   249, 

253,  254,  273,  329,  330,  356,  366- 
368,  371,  373,  382,  385. 

,  Reuben,  Jr.,  85,   97,    168,    209, 

270,  325,  381. 
,    Samuel,    122,    123,    148,    150, 

151,  170,  172,  208,  209,  342,  344, 

345,  353,  367. 

.  Solomon,  284,  353,  388. 

,  Thomas,  353,  369. 

Gill,  Hon.  Moses,  251,  265,  281,  293, 

347,  376. 
*Gilson,  [oseph,  285. 
Goddard",  John,  217,  373. 
Goodard,  see  Goddard. 
Goodell.  Andrew,  342.  387. 
,  David,    73,    76,    78,    105,    257. 

300,  370,  372,  382,  387. 

,  David,  Jr.,  105. 

Goodridge,    Abijah,    325,    342,    348, 

381,  388. 
,  Asaph,  118,  160.  221.  236,  237, 

246,  271,  277,  283,  289,  297,  316, 

344.  358,  387. 

,  Capt.,  Dea.  David,  4-8,    10,   12, 

•    13,  15.  16,  18,  20,  21,  23,  25.  26. 

27,  29-31,  33,    35,    39,    42-45,  48, 


*The  name  appears  as  Gibson,  but  this 
is  an  error. 


Index. 


409 


Gooclridge,  David — Continued  : 
56,  59,  68-66,  69-73,  75-83,  85,  86, 
89-91,  96-98,  101-105,  107.  109. 
113,  114.  117-119,  121,  122.  124- 
127,  132-139.  145-14-7,  149,  151- 
157,  159-163,  165-168,  171-17-5, 
179-181,  183-188,  190-196,  199- 
206,  210.  212-214,  220,  225.  228, 
235.  238.  244,  247.  253.  254,  262, 
263,  266.  275.  277,  279.  288,  295, 
299,  402. 

.  Capt.  John.  188,  246.  277.  288. 

306,  312. "339,  340.  344.  345,  357. 
359,  362.  363.  374.  388. 

,  Joshua,  49,  51,  67,  147,  169. 

Gorham,  Nathaniel,  402. 

Grammar  school,  306. 

Grav,  Harrison,  107. 

',    James,   32,   48,  49.    52,    57-60, 

62, '91. 

,  Iosei)h,  86,  122,  123,  207,245, 

342,  346,  388. 

Great  bridges,  82,  83,  102.  173.  174, 
203,  204.  288,  294.  297.  308,  309, 
339,  340,  358,  359,  362-364,  370, 
372,  386-388. 

road,  316. 

(hccnhcf,  Col.,  381. 

,  Dr.,  118. 

Grcenoujjfh,  Thomas.  384. 

Grievances  of  Worcester  Countv, 
250. 

Grimes,  Andrew,  123,  150. 

,    William,    188,    263,    270,    283, 

284. 

Groton.  8,  139. 

Grout.  Hon.  lonatlian,  318,  347, 
393,  396,  398. 

Guns,  155.  159,  161,  356,  357. 


H.vc.EK,  Jonathan,  396. 

Hale.  Joel.  326. 

,  .\Ioses,  343,  349,  361,  370,  381, 

382,  388. 
Hammond.  Levi.  334. 

,  Marcv,  334. 

,  I'attv.  334. 

,  Perlev,  334. 

,  Seaser,  334. 

Hancock,  John.  131.  215,    230.    250, 

265,  28i,  347,   376,  402. 
Hardwick.  Letters  Iroin,  2.50. 

,  William   l'a>,'e  of.  2(55.  281. 

Harrinj^ton.  lihenezer,  72. 

,  Kev.   Mr.  of  Lancaster,  37. 

,  Sewil,  258. 

Harris,  Daniel,  258,  387. 

,  Dea.,  149. 

,  Oliver,  308. 


Harris,  Samuel,   184-.  188,  236.  246, 

257,  313.  386,  388. 

,  Samuel.  Jr..  168. 

,  Thomas,"  23,  48,  51,  83. 

Hart.    Joseph.    123,    150,    169.    170, 

172. 

,  Samuel,  54,  55. 

,  Mrs.  Samuel.  47.  50,  54.  5.5,  57. 

59.  65,  68,  70.  74,  79,  81,  84.  86, 

96,  98,   110.    111.     119.     120.   122. 

132.  133,  148,  159,  160.  169.  182. 

183.   189.   201,   205.   207.209,216. 

224.  226.  243.  246.  257.  261,  263, 
269,  271,  274-276,  278.  28S,  297, 
305.  306.  313,  324.  325,  343.  344. 
355.  368.  374. 

Hartvvell.  Asahel.  209. 

,  Benjamin.  394. 

,  lulward,  2.  3,  56. 

,  Hphraim.  288. 

,  Mr.,  43. 

,  Pliinehas,  43,  48-50.  55.  5s,  59. 

62,  66,  69,  72,  73,  78.  92,  97,  lOd, 
101,  103,  105,  107,  108,  IK),  113, 
114.  116.  117.  120.  121.  123,  125. 
126,  132.  134-138.  146-150.  152- 
155,  157.  KJO,  162-165.  Km.  Kis. 
172-177.  179,  ISl,  183,  184,  186- 
188,  190.  192,  194.  196,200,201, 
203,  204,  206,  208,    211-222,  224, 

225,  22S-230,  239-243,  247,  249. 
255,  265,  271-274.  277.  280-288, 
290-293.  295.  297.  298.  300,  302, 
304,  305,  307-309,  311,  312.  315- 
323.  326-330.  332.  334.  335,  337- 
340,  342.  344.  346.  34.S-351.  353. 
355,  357,  359-362,  364,  3C)5.  367. 
369.  371.  373-376.  378.  379.  381- 
384.  386,  389-396,  398,  401. 

,  Lieut.,    Cajjt.    Thomas,   ,32,   66, 

80.  168.    173.    175-177.    179.  180. 

187,  197,  207,  224,  225.  229.  230. 

234,  235.  237-239.  241.  244.    247. 

257.  262,  26(),  269.  270.    274-276. 

282.  284,  285.  288,  31  2.  3ir>,  31  7, 

329.  330,  342.  366,  3r>7. 
Haskell.  i:iias.  123.  149. 
.    Lemuel,    170.    172 

353. 
.  William,    247.    277, 

307,  310.  315.  353. 
Haskiel.  see  Haskell. 
Henderson,  William.    117.    119,    125, 

126. 
Herrick.    Benjamin.    26S.    2r)9.    281, 

282. 

,  Dr.  Martin.  268.  281.  282. 

.    Samuel.    121.    123.    150,     157, 

169,   172,  259,  260,  (see  254,  255), 

2r.6,  282. 


jo.s.    209. 


.'81.    281 


410 


Iltdvx. 


Ilcvvood,   |()1),  'iM'iS. 

Ilcywurd,"  lipluaim,  2.S1,  2.S2.  Sec- 
Howard,   liplii'.'iim. 

,  Nathaniel,  2H2. 

Ilichljorn,  William,  2HS. 

Highways,  5,  (>,  12,  14,  15,  22,  24- 
2G,  2.S,  30,  82-84,  4(5,  48-52,  54, 
55,  57-00,  05-68,  70-75,  79-81,84- 
88,  96-98,  110-118,  120-123,  146- 
151,  162-164,  166-172,  185-189, 
192,  193,  205,  207-209,  224,  220, 
243,  245-247,  261,  263,  264,  268- 
270,  276-278,  281-284,  289,  294, 
296,  298,  300-302,  310,  312,  313, 
316,  324,  326,  327,  341,  343.  358, 
359,  367-371,  380,  382-384,  394, 
395,  402. 

Hildreck,  70. 

Hill,  Elisabeth,  292. 

,  Mrs.  Jemima,  292. 

,  Robert,  271. 

,  vSamuel,  292,  373. 

,  Thomas,  148,  171,  228. 

Hilton,  Thomas,  123,  207,  277,  312. 

Hoby,  Mr.,  49,  52. 

Hodgkins,  David,  344. 

,  Hezekiah,  4,  14,  23,  32,  66,  67, 

72,  79,  81,  85,  121,  148,  171,  188, 
204,  207,  221,  222,  226,  245,  257, 
262,  277,  288,  289,  296,  312,  326, 
342,  349,  359,  369,  371,  372,  374- 
380,  386,  388-390,  394-396. 

,  John,  387. 

,  Samuel,  32,  50. 

,  William,  32. 

Hodgskins,  see  Hodgkins. 

Holbrook,  Abijah,  402. 

Holden,  Lieut.  Isaac,  207,  271. 

Hollis,  N.  H.,  residents  of,  292. 

Holt,  Jonathan,  28,  72,  83,  97,  147, 
168,  181,  185,  186,  188,242,272, 
329,  365,  388. 

,  Joseph,  207,  236. 

,  Widow  Marv,  1,  60. 

,  William,  385. 

Holton.  Hon.  Samuel,  215,  251,  281, 
293,  318. 

Horsley,  Capt.  James,  139. 

Houghton,  Eleazer,  49,  51,  67. 

How,  Jose])h,  384. 

Howard,  Ephraim,  268,  269,  353, 
373.     See  Heyward,  Ephraim. 

Hunt,  Jonathan,  97. 

,  Capt.  Samuel,  8-7. 

Hutchison,  Capt.  Thomas,  246. 

Independence,  Declaration  of,   126- 

131. 
Inimical   disposition   of   inhabitants, 

153-155. 


Inocidation,  hos])ital  for,   132. 
Inspection,   committee   of,    107,    109, 

132,  147,  148. 
Instructif)ns     to    rei)resentative,     99, 

2(i7,  350,  351,  855,  857. 
Insurgents,  838,  834. 
Ireland,  Abraham,  119. 

Jaffkky,  residents  of,  323,  388. 
Jaquith,    Abraham,    268,    296,    312, 

826. 

,  Asa,  838. 

,  Benjamin,    67,    111,    112,    121, 

122,  388,  389,  388. 

,  Hannah,  388. 

,  Isaac,  838. 

,  Josiah,  838. 

,  Lvdia,  388. 

,  M'rs.  Phct'be,  338. 

,  Phctbe,  888. 

,  Reuben,  338. 

Jewett,  Maximilian,  48,   72,   97,   98, 

169. 
Jurymen,  175,  253,  254. 

Kemp,  Benjamin,  843,  369. 

Kendall,  Timothv,  209. 

,  William,  369. 

,  see  Kindall. 

Kilpatrick,  Samuel,  48,  51. 

Kimball,  Dea.  Amos,  3-8,  10,  13-16, 
18-20,  28-27,  29,  81,  33,  84.  37, 
41,  43,  45-47,  50,  53-50,  58-00, 
62,  63,  67,  69,  71,  74-91,  96-99, 
101. 

,  Amos,  133,  147. 

,  Widow  Dorothy,  865. 

,  Ephraim,  4,  7,  10,   14,   19,   23- 

25,  27-31,  33,  46,  48,  50,  74,  90, 
155,  184,  207. 

,   Ephraim,   Jr.,    121,    147,    197, 

202,  204,  211,  220,  221,  286,  237, 
244,  246,  248,  250-258,  255,  256, 
259,  261-263,  307,  325,  334,  340, 
356,  357,  370,  888. 

,  George,  100,  865. 

,  Levi,  133,  188,  217,  222. 

,  Thomas,  169,  237. 

Kimball's  bridge,  82,  83. 

Kindall,  Jonas,  122,  247,  259,  260. 

,  see  Kendall. 

Kinsman,  Jeremiah,  388. 

Knights,  John,  323. 

Lancaster,  churches  in,  45. 

,  courts  at,  52,  53. 

Laniard,  (icn.,  318. 
Larranc,  Benjamin,  267,  268. 
Learned,  Cajjt.  Jeremiah,  376. 
Leland,  Henry,  147,  189. 


Index. 


411 


Lemons,  Jonathan,  2'JH. 
Leominster,  First  Clmrch  in,  4o. 
,  letter  from,  HOH. 

line,  1,  15,  80,  S8. 

,  residents  of,  261. 

,  road  to,  24,  122. 

Lexington,  residents  of,  51,  328. 
Lineoln,  Hon.  Benjamin,  347,  37(>. 
Litch,  James,  58,  GO,  (50. 
Livermor,  Abner,  24-7. 

Locke,  D.  S.,  258. 

Low,  Joseph,  28,  32, 4-9,  51,  G(),  85, 98. 

,  Josei)h,  Jr.,  289,  3(59. 

Lunenburg,  anne.xation  to,  389. 

,  church  in,  4-5. 

,  committees  of,  8,  139. 

,   disputes   with,    119,    125,    12(J, 

190,  191,  193,  2G9,  271. 
,  letter  from,  338. 

line,  1,  GO,  392. 

,  meetings  at,  139.  303. 

,  representative  of,  99. 

,  residents  of,  87,  321. 

,  road  laid  out  by,  79,  81. 

,  road  to,  57,  59,  171. 

,  separation  from,  1-3. 

Mace,  Ehphalet,  33,  4-8,  G3-G5,  72. 

,  Mr.,  14. 

Marshall,   Dr.  Jonas,  292,  299,  303, 

30G,  313,  315,  321,  332,  338,  355, 

359,  3G1. 

road,  298. 

Marten,  Ii;i)hraim,  8G,  87. 
MeCartv,   Dr.   Thaddeus,    184.    188, 

195,  197,  199,  201,  206,  210,  212- 
220,  222,  224,  225,  229,  230,  232, 
237. 

Mclntirc,  David,  123,  242,  247,  251, 
257,  262,  266,  284,  289,  342.  345, 
348,  350,  352,  353,  356-358,  361, 
367,  368, 

,  Bbenezer,  384. 

,  Elijah,  169,  353.  369. 

,  Jacob.  384. 

,  L.,  172. 

Meed,  Mr.,  24. 

*Meeting-house,  8-13,  16,  18-22,  25- 
30,  38,  42,  43,  52,  53,  55,  71,  75, 
77.  78.  118,  238,  276,  279,  280, 
289.  305-307,  309,  310,  314,  324, 
325,  355,  357,  368,  384,  389,  390. 

,  bridge  near.  76,  173.  294,  370. 

in  northwest  i)nrt,  385. 

,  new,  32  1-,  326.  3S0,  3S2.  384. 385. 

on  Ezra  Upton's  land,  301. 

*  Bcjjnn'i'fiK  Scptcinbcr  22,  17G(>.  nil 
town  incctiiiK'*  were  licM  in  tlic  nic-ctinK- 
lioiihc,  ;in(l  iilVii-ni'is  lo  it  in  this  con- 
nection ;irc  omitted. 


149. 


109. 
177. 


Meeting-house — Continued : 
,  roads  to,  51,  67,  74,    148. 

172.  208,  283,  316. 
Merrall,  Daniel,  33. 
Militia,    101.    105.     106.    108. 

153.  154,  157.  158.  167.  176. 

194.  195,  197.  213.  227.  401. 
Mill  ])ond,  49. 
Millens,  .Mr..  37. 
Mills,  203.  204. 

,  French's,  24. 

,  Goodel's,  73,  76,  78. 

,  Holden's,  208. 

,  Kimball's,  10,  14,   IT).   17,   19. 

,  Wood's,  25. 

Ministerial  land,  191,  193. 
Minister's  settlement,  38-41. 
Minute  men,  106-109,  112.   119. 
Monopolv,  act  to  ])revcnt,  15(>.  157. 
Moors,  Mordccai,  58,  66,  68,  80.  81. 
Moredock.  William,  386. 
Morse,  Antonv.  83. 
Mudge,  John.'GG,  74,  120,  134,246. 

Needham,  Joshua.  386. 

New  Hampshire,  247,  292,321,323. 

338. 
New  Ipswich,  residents  of,  321. 
Xew   town,   petitions  for,   295,   298, 

393-395. 
Nichols,  Israel,   215,   231,   251,   265. 

281,  293,  347. 
Niles,  E])hraim.  353. 
Noney,  Betsy,  323. 
North  company,  153,  177. 

river,  32. 

Nurce  (Nurs).  Peter,  74.  169. 

Oak  Hill.  312. 

Oath    concerning    bills     of   credit    ot 
neighboring  g(jvernnicnts,  5. 

of  allegiance.  348.  ."{49. 

Oldridge,   Iosei)li,  26(>. 

.  Luke,  260. 

,  Lydia,  260. 

,  Sarah,  260. 

Oliver,  A..  2. 

,  Andrew,  24.  49.  51, 

Orders   to    be  brought   ii 

185.  18(). 
Ordwav.  Amos.   169,  2<i7 

311,  '314-316,    XU),  AU 

388. 
( )sborn,  see  ( )/.burii. 
Osgood,  Joseph,   :{86.  ;58,S. 
Ozburn.  Ivphraim.  13,   1  I,  .'52,  .">1 .  .">s. 

66.  72,  117.  308,  387. 

,  Jacob.  387. 

,  John.  257.  342,  .344,  .369.    .372. 

380. 


72.  9S. 
March 


245 
367 


7<). 
69, 


412 


Index. 


Pack.  Abijali,  258. 

,  Lieut.  lonathan,  72,  80,  97,  98, 

ia:i,  2(58, '281,  282,  290,810,315, 

380,  858,  807,  878. 

,  William,  205,  281. 

Paine,  Hon.  Tiniothv,  290,  291,  320, 

375,  870,  898,  390,  898. 
Palmer,  Thomas,  48,  50,  51,  78,  310, 

314. 
Paper  tax,  246. 
Parce,  Amos,  220,  387. 
,  David.   00.   97,   111,   121,   147, 

100,  109,  189,  207,  214,217,226, 

237,  245,  257,  208.  277,  278,  296, 

812.  343,  848,  870,  887. 

,  Uea.  Ephraim,  14. 

,  Joshua,   72,   85,   97,   111,   169, 

207,  245,  203.  271,  296,  312,  369, 

888. 
.  Samuel,  14,  15,  32,  58,  66,  80, 

97.  111.  122,  133,   134,   157,  160, 

188.  189.  278. 

Parishes,  petitions  for  incorporation 

of,  389,  890,  894.  395. 
Parker,  Timothy,  11,  12,  20,  21,  57, 

59. 
Parks,  John,  168,  298. 
Patch,  Stephen,  392. 
Patch's  tavern.  Worcester,  338. 
Patterson.  James.  171.  188-196,  199. 

200.  208-207.  209,  228.  246.    247, 

272,  329. 
Pavson,  Rev.  John,   27,   40.   41.   43- 

46.  50,  54,  55,  61,  62,  68,  69.  77. 

82,  83,  89,   90,    100-102,    116-118. 

132.  183.  159.  160.  170.  173.  174. 

182.  188.  185.  186,  200-202,    210, 

211,  215-217,  224,  227,  235.   236, 

256-258,    209-272.   280.    287,    289, 

305-308,   310,   814.   323-825.   827. 

355,  350,  301,  379-881,  886,   389. 
Pearce,  see  Parce. 
Pearl  Hill,  292,  294.  298. 
Penneman,  Capt.  Peter,  347,  376. 
Perlev.  Eliphalet,  842,  348. 

,  Mr..  270.  284. 

Perlv,  Moses,  72. 

Perrv,  Lieut.  Asa,  85,  89-91,  95,  96, 

98,  99,  102,  111,  117.  122,  182, 
184,  146,  151,  157,  168.  170,  171. 
175.  170.  180.  181.  183.  180.  188. 

189.  199.  201.  202.  207.  209,  217 
(?).  220.  221.  225.  229.  232-237, 
239.  241.  244-240.  262.  263,  270. 
278,  289,  296,  299.  300.  312,  318, 
322,  326,  830.  334,  335,  340,  342, 
346,  350,  352,  353,  356,  359.  369. 
378,  375,  377,  378,  381,  382,  385. 

,  Aseph  (?),  217. 

,  Nathan,  320,  375. 


Petition  for  annexati<in  to  Lunen- 
hurf^,  889,  890. 

for  first  mectinj^-housc,  389,  390. 

Petitions  to  (k-neral  Court,  822,  333- 

387,  899.  400. 
Pews,  20-29,  52.  58.  71.  75,  77,  78. 
Pheli)S,  Elijah,  208. 
,  Joseph,  147,  188,  202,  220,  245, 

200,  278,  297,  298,  307,  318,  825, 

327,  329.  382,  845,  366.  878,  885, 

387. 
Phil]ii)s,   Hlancv.  812.  382.  343,345, 

380. 
,  Lieut.  Seth,  208,  226,  277,  842, 

844-348,  853,  854,  858,   359,  362- 

804,  807,  894. 
Pierce,  see  Parce. 
Pine  Hill.  78. 
Pingrev.  Stephen.  298,  384. 

,  Stephen,  Jr.,  349.  869.  391. 

Pollev,  Ebenczer.  109.  188,  207.  288. 
,  Joseph.  70.  101.  109.  Ill,  188, 

220,  245.  277,  290,  812,  324,  326, 

830,  853. 
Pool,  Joshua,  42,  43. 
Poole,  James,  4,  14,  21,   30,   00,  70, 

78,   97.   101.    103.  108.   Ill,   119, 

121,  122,  134,  147.  148,  160,  167, 

169.  170.  188,  204.  207,  258,  263, 

380. 
Pound,  20.  28,  57,  59. 
Powder,  104. 
Pratt,   David,   226,    299,    807,    381, 

387,  388. 

,  Silas,  399. 

Preaching,   before    the    settlement  of 

Rev.  Mr.  Pavson.  9.  10.  18-21.  26. 

27.  35.  30,  38-42. 

in  westerlv  part.  310.  314. 

Prescott,  Hon."  Oliver.  281.  293.  318. 
Presidential  electors.  392,  393. 
Prices    of  labor,   etc.,   fixed.   0.    139- 

145,  109,  193.  196-198.  203.  204, 
207,  216,  226,  236.  277,  383. 

Priest.  John.  207,  209,  228. 

,  Joshua,  32. 

Proprietors'  land.  300. 

Province  Land.  875. 

Provincial  Congress.  101,  102,  104, 
106-108,  114.  115. 

Puffer.  Jacob.  32. 

Pulpit.  38.  54,  55. 

Punch  Brook,  49.  51. 

Putnam.  Dea.  Daniel.  72.  118.  121, 
133.  134,  187.  188.  147.  157.  108. 
181.  188.  202.  217.  225.  230,  232- 
284.  237-244.  240.  247,  249,  257- 
200.  203.  205.  267.  268,  277.  279. 
288,  296.  302-304.  306,  309.  311, 
316-320,  322,  324,   325,  328,  330- 


Index 


413 


Putnam,  Daniel — Cnntiniicd  : 
;{38,  885,  83H-34-2.   84;"),  84-7,  34S, 
850,  852.  854,   85G-8G1,  8(>8.  804, 
807.  80,S,  871),  8H1,  .882,  88<). 

,  Lieut.   John,  04.  00,  07,  74,  75, 

78,  117,  122,  IS'J.  191),  217,  257. 
300,  387. 

Records  transferred,  80,  09-71. 
«eecl,  William,  344,  849. 
Remonstrance  to  General  Court,  101- 

105. 
Representatives  in  Conj^ress  of  United 

States,  892,  898,  890-898. 

in    General    Court,    2,    99,    115, 

110,  118,  124,  125,  180,187,218, 
251,  252,  200,  207,  285,  280,  304, 
818,  819,  350,  851,  355,  357,  378, 
879,  402. 

in     Provincial     Congress,     102, 

107-109,  114,  115. 

Rhode  Island,   soldiers   for,  194-190, 

199,  201,  205. 
Richardson,  James,  15. 
,  Josei)h,"882,  384. 

road.  384. 

Rider,  William,  123,  290. 

Ridge,  the,  171. 

Rights,  statement  of,  92-95. 

River.  16,  17,  83,  52,  53,  70.  78,  88. 

Ruggles,  Timothv,  2. 

Russell,  Asa,  242. 

,  Eli,  210,  226,  227. 

,  Jonathan,    147.   220.   277.  287- 

289.  290,  873. 
,  Rev.  Mr..  10. 


Sabhath  breaking,  see  worship. 

Safety,  Committee  of.  132,  147, 
225. 

Salem,  residents  of,  51,  98. 

Samson.  Jonathan.  897. 

Sanderson.  Samuel,   14. 

Sawver,  .\bner,  809,  349,  809. 

,'jabez,  869,  386. 

,  Joseph,  88,  90,    118,    188. 

184.  207.  217.  277.  827,  387. 

,  Luke,  869,  887. 

,  Nathaniel,  394. 

,  Phinehas,  83,  85,  90.  200, 

209. 

,    Phinehas,    Jr..   80,   85,   99- 

108,  104,  100-110,  120,  128, 
170,  204,  211,  217,  220,  229- 
288,  289,  242-244,  247-250, 
259,  201-208,  208.  270-272, 
279,  287,  288,  290,  21)(),  800, 
825,  827-829.  842.  860.  800. 
372,  878,  881,  .888,  885,  888. 

Scales,  200,  207. 


148, 


168, 


207, 

101, 
149, 
285, 
258, 
274, 
811, 
870, 


School  districts,  83,  89,  91. 

houses,  82,  83,  217,  288,  284. 

houscon  Thomas  Cowdin's  land, 

217. 

land,  190,  191.  193.  269.  271. 

Schools.    7.    17.    19.    21.   26,   27,   40, 

42,  43,  54,  55,  61-64.  68,  69,  77, 
78,  82,  88,  89-91,  1()0-102,  116, 
117,  182,  183.  159.  160.  167.  170, 
182,  188,  185,  190.  191,  200-202, 
216-218,  235,  236.  256,  257,  269, 
270,  286,  288,  305,  806,  823,  325, 
326,  855-857,  379,  381. 

Scott,  Hdward,  48-58.  102,  106,  107. 
171.  172,  289,  882. 

Sexton,  118,  114. 

Shattuck,  Capt.,  834. 

,  Simeon,  269,  353. 

Sheldon,  .\mos,  342,  346. 

road,  87. 

Sheplev,  see  Shi  pie. 
Shiple,  John,  299,  842. 
Shirley,  139,  307. 

,  church  in,  45. 

Simonds.  John,  887. 
Simons,  Joseph,  812. 

Singers,  276,  279,  280,  810.  314. 

Singing,  351,  352. 

Singletarv.  .\mos,  215,  376. 

Small,  Samuel,  188. 

,  William,  67,  74,  147,  183,  188, 

207.  226. 
Small-pox  hospital.  132. 
Smith.  Eli,  844,  874. 

.  Capt.  Elisha.  854,  855,  891. 

,    Ephraim,    48-50,    58,   831-333. 

344,  354,  390,  391,  894,  395. 
,  Mrs.   Ephraim,   332,   343.   344., 

894    895. 

,  Ichabod,  58,  72,  78.  80. 

.  Israel,  332,  344. 

,  Jonas,  382,  345. 

,  Jonathan.  72.  111. 

,  Reuben.   60.   85.    97.    149.    268. 

806,  812,  314,  815,  817-828,   825- 

828,  830-382.  885.  340.   841.  348. 

349,  866,  369,  872,  374,  876,  877, 

379,  880,  884,  385,  889,   891-894, 

397. 
Snow,  Dr.  Peter,  861. 
,  Silas,  4,  14,  66,  76,  78,  85,  S7, 

88,  111-118,  122,  170. 
Soldiers,     101,     105-109,     112.    119. 

152,  156,  157,  159,    162-164,  167. 

178,  176,  194-196.    199,  201,  208- 

205,  210.   212-214.  210,  217.  222- 

225.  227,  228,  281,  288,  241.  242. 

248.  249,  258,  254,  258.  2r,0.  40l . 

402. 
Sollcv.  John.  288. 


414 


Index. 


Sontli  Coin])nnv,  If)!-,  K)?,   1 7(> 

SpafTord,  loscp"!!.  K  M',  IT.,  .''.2,  GO, 
OS,  111,  121. 

Special  Court  of  Sessions  of  tlie 
Peace,  153-155. 

Sprague,  Hon.  John,  398. 

State  officers,  elections  of,  214,  215, 
230,  231,  250,  251,  204-,  200.  280, 
281,  292,  293,  317,  318,  340-348, 
375,  370. 

vStearns,  Col.  Abijah,  139. 

,  Capt.  Josiah,  208. 

,  Josiah,  318. 

,    Thomas,    72,    111,    121,    147, 

151,  152,  154,  101,  102.  108,  170, 
183,  184,  188.  197,  202,  240,  248, 
257,  258,  202,  204,  207,  270-272, 
274-277,  280,  281,  283,  287-289, 
291,  293,  295,  290,  299,  300,  303, 
300,  307,  311,  310,  318-320,  324, 
325,  327,  328,  330,  333,  335,  341, 
344,  309,  370,  372,  381,  382,  387. 

,  William,  100. 

,  Dea.  William,  139. 

Sterling,  residents  of,  334. 

Stevens,  Jesse.  382,  384. 

Steward,  Penjamin,  320. 

,  Jacob,  14,  24. 

,  Phinehas,   4,  14,  15,  17-20,  23- 

25,  32,  48,  53,  57,  59,  04,  00. 

,  Solomon,  4,  14,  23,  27,  32,  48, 

58,  02,  04,  00,  72,  74,  78,  80-80, 
92,  93,  97,  99,  102,  109,  111,  114, 
117,  119,  121,  133,  134,  147,  100, 
109,  170,  189,  209,  210. 

,  William,  4,  15,   32,   58,  GO,  80, 

209,  272. 

Stewart,  see  Steward. 

Sticknev,  Oliver,  SO,  87,  122,  123, 
108,  183,  188,  217,  225,  232-235, 
238,  239,  241,  244,  240-248,  252, 
253,  255,  250,  258,  259,  202-205, 
207,  270-272,  275-277,  279-281, 
283,  280-288,  291-293,  295,  302- 
304,  300-308,  311.  312,  315,  325, 
327,  330,  350,  301,  300,  370,  378, 
3S1-3S3.  388. 

Stocks,  200,  208. 

Stone,  Dea.  Joseph,  290,  347,  370. 

,  Luther,  301. 

Store3',  Solomon,  388. 

Subscription  for  Rev.  John  Pavson, 
172,  173. 

Sutton,  letter  from,  283,  284. 


Tafts,  Bezaleel,  348. 
Tavlor,  Dr.  John,  99,  118. 

'-,  Jonathan,  209. 

Tea  at  Boston,  92,  94.  95. 


Tea — Coiiiiniicd : 

,  license  to  sell,  238. 

Thompson,  Charles,  131. 

Thiirlo,  Moses,  23,  24,  27,  32-34, 
49,  50,  52,  55,  57,  59,  78. 

,   Capt.    William,    32-34,   48,   49, 

52,  57-59,  00,  72,  80,  85,  97,  111, 
112,  121,  122,  124-120,  131,  133, 
135,  130,  140,  147,  151,  157,  183, 
185,  195,  197,  204-200,  214,  215, 
219-221,   223,  232,  233,  230,  237. 

Thurston,  Daniel,  220. 

,  Ebenezer,  72,  73,  97,  111,  172, 

290,  308,  349,  309. 

,  Dea.  John.   27,   29,   31,  33,  34, 

39-41,  43,  45,  50,  53,  58,  59,  01, 
02,  04-72,  80-83,  85,  87,  109,  111, 
134,  104,  174,  197,  198,  207,  217, 
220,  221,  224,  225,  231,  237,  247, 
258,  279,  310,  329,  300. 

,  John,    Jr.,    244,    248,   202,    203, 

207,  270,  271,  274,  270,  288,  308, 
342,  348,  349,  350,  309,  374,  370, 
377,  379,  380,  381,  384,  388,  389, 
391-394,  390,  397. 

,  Stephen,  231,  309,  394. 

,  Lieut.   Thomas,   220,  247,  342, 

348,  349.  374,  394. 
Tidmash,  William,  271. 
Town  line,   1,  8,  15,  51,  GO,  07,  86, 

88,  122,  208,   282,   300,  324,  326, 

384,  392-394,  396,  397. 

meetings,    manner    of  vv'arning, 

28,  30,  153,  154,  101,  102,  170, 
177,  179,  193,  219,  220,   228-230. 

Townsend,  1,  8,  139. 

Upton,  Caleb,  32,  48-50,  59,  60. 

,  David,  60. 

,   Ezra,   60,   98,    162,    163,    164, 

185,  180;   heirs  of,  385,  394. 
,  Jacob,  172,  188,  198,  199,  202, 

208,  209,  217,  244,  202,  278,  295, 
296,  310,  312-315,  326,  342,  343, 
382,  385,  395. 

,  John,  272,  278,  288,  296,  312, 

342,  369,  387. 

,  Widow  Marv,  65,  68. 

,  OUver,  119,  "l47. 

,  Robert,  373. 

Venen.  John,  226,  373. 

.    Joseph,    208,    209,    226,    268, 

209;  281,  282. 
Voters,  qualitications  of,  38.  39,  115, 

124,  214,  218,  280,  285,  304,  317, 

318,  346,  378,  395. 

recjuired  to  vote  on  constitu- 
tional convention,  195. 


hidcx 


415 


Wai.kkk,  James,  207,  220,  245. 

,  Iosei)h,  97,  101,   loa,  100,  108- 

117,  120,  121,  12H.  12.-.,  120,  132, 
134-180,  189,  140,  147,  149,  ir)2- 
154,  157,  159,  100.  102.  108,  105, 
107,  lOS,  171,  174,  1.S8,  184,  189. 
19.S,  201.  204,  200,  214,  216-218, 
221,  227-229,  240. 

,  Mr.,  221. 

,  Samuel,  24,  78. 

\Val])o!e,  church  in,  45. 

Ward,  Hon.  .\rtcmas,  893,  39G,  398. 

,  Cai)t.  Sanuiel.  149.  812.  847. 

Wares,  Jonatlian,  207,  245,  278. 

Warner,  Hon.  Jonathan,  298. 

Warren,  Hon.  James,  870. 

,  Hon.  Jonathan,  398. 

Washburn,  Col.  vSeth,  281,  251,  281, 
298,  348,  370,  898. 

Wate,  John,  401. 

Watertown,  General  Court  at,  124. 

,    Provincial    Congress    at,    114, 

115. 

Weights  and  measures,  81,  47,  05, 
68,  119,  206,  207. 

Welsh,  Jacob,  892. 

West  Point,  soldiers  for,  242. 

Westerly  jiart,  preaching  in,  310, 
314. 

Westminster,  295,  380. 

,    annexation    of    ]iart    of,    301, 

802,  380. 

,  cliurch  in,  45. 

,  letter  from,  287. 

line,  1,  824,  392,  393,  390. 

,  taxes  claimed  bv,  283,  284. 

Wetherbee,  Daniel,  827,  842. 

,  Jonathan,  149. 

,  Joseph,  149,  150. 

,  Lieut.    Paul,    1,    148,    168,  171, 

188,  226,  270,  289,  297,  307,  811, 
31V-320,  322,  324,  327,  328,  831, 
385,  330,  889,  841,  842,  844-350, 
852.  354,  350-858,  301,  803,  804, 
307-369,  871,  874,  376,  377,  879, 
380,  888,  889,  891-894,  890,   897. 

Wheeler,  )ohn,  271. 

,  Joseph,  188,  202,  290. 

,  Mr.,  208. 

Whitcoml),  Levi,  60. 

,  Widow,  87,  122,  128,  149,  812. 

White,  John,  1,  4-9,  11-18,  15,  17, 
27,  80,  32-34,  89-41,  53,  59,  66, 
07,  09-71,  73,  74,  105. 

Whitnev,  David,  203. 

,  Hphraim,   1,  8-7.  lo,  13-15. 

,  li/.ra,  4. 

,  Landlord,  808. 

,  Kev.  Peter,  l(t,  is,   19,  25,  27. 


Whitney,  Zachariah,  97,   111. 

,  Zachariah,  Jr.,  74. 

Whitemore.  David,  245,  278,  353. 
Wild  animals,  bounty  for,  182. 

(or  non-resident)    land,  tax   on. 

18.   10.  22,  25,  4H,  59. 

Wilder,    Hon.    .\bel,    318,    347,    376, 

393,  396. 

,  Thomas,  34. 

,  Titus,  148,  202. 

Wilkens,  I'riah,  373. 

Willard,  .Abraham,  86,  123,  231,  232, 

241,  248,  253.  254,  312,358,356. 

361.  381. 
,  Charles,  48,   66,   80,    121,    148, 

150,  151,  109,  288,  358,  894. 

,  Daniel,  208,  209,  2S2,  858. 

,  Elijah,  208,  209,  2.S1,  282,  834- 

386,  388.  350,  853,  861. 

,  Reuben,  878 

,  Secretary,  heirs  of,  74. 

,  Thomas.  73.  74. 

.  Timothv,  373. 

Williams,  Levi,  373. 

,  Lvdia,  297,  307,  313,  325,  344, 

374. ' 

,  Submit,  297,  309. 

Winch,  David,  209. 
Wiswell,    Noah.     70.    78, 

285,  300,  372. 
Witt,   Isaiah,   14-16,   19. 

35,  36,  38,  40.   43,  47, 

59,  69,  72,  74-77.  79,  81,  86,  90. 

Wood,  Bezaleel,  378. 

,    Ensign,   Capt.  Jonathan,   1.   4, 

7,  14,  15,  17-19,  21,  23,  25,  27. 
32,  33,  48,  58,  60,  61,  63,  64.  W^, 
09,  74,  78.  80.  83.  85,  90.  97. 
109-111.  121,  125,  147,  151,  157. 
160,  164,  167-169,  188,  1S9.  191, 
198,  195.  202,  204.  206.  207,  21 0, 
211,  215,  217.  218,    220,  228-22r., 

286,  237,  245,  258,  268,  271.  278. 
296,  812,  332,  840,  342,343,348, 
369. 

Woods,  Harnabas,  26,  27. 

,  Capt.  El)enezer,  72,  78,  80.  83. 

85,    89.    91-98,    90-98,     101,     102. 

104-106,   lOS,   110,   112,   118. 
Worcester,  309,  831,  891. 
,   conventions    at,    19r>-198,    250, 

251,  288,  284,  289,  88S. 

countv,  division  of,  s,  287.  289. 

308. 

Worshi]).     fines     for     not     attending, 

36S.  870. 
Worster,  Moses,  87. 
Wright.  Capt.  Nathaniel,  264.  800. 


264,    283- 
25,  31, 


24, 
50 


416  ijtd^x. 

V  L  A  T  i<:  s. 

Portrait  of  Tlioiiias  Cowrlin,      .  r       <•     • 

T^          _                                             liontisDicce 

Page  5 o  )  1    1 

Portrait  of  Mrs.  Ilaiinali  Cowdin,    .        .                        •        •        •  "J*'^' 

Page  91,     .        .        .                                                         ....  opp.  4-1 

Page  97,     ...        .  ^„ 

Page  119,          .        .        .        : "'^''-^^ 

Page  122 "'^P'     ^J 

Pageir.8,          ....                "'^'^^     -^1 

,7           '        .                         opi).  1S7 

Autographs  ol    I  own  Clerks, 3,jg 


ADDITIONAL   PLATE. 

A  portrait  of  Joseph    Fox,  secured   ai'Ler   the   index    was   printed,  will 
be  found  0|)posite  paf^c  257. 


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UC SOUTHER',  RfGiO",; 


AA    001  177  443    7 


